Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and surrounding structures, often leading to pain, restricted jaw movement, and dysfunction. Approximately 10% to 15% of adults in the U.S. are affected by TMD.1 Among various treatment options, laser therapy is a noninvasive and effective approach for managing TMD symptoms, and research has consistently supported its ultra-high effectiveness.
Regarding TMD pain reduction using laser therapy, a systemic review of 32 studies involving 1,172 patients found that 78.13% of the studies reported significant pain reduction compared to conventional therapies.2 In another system review, three significant jaw functionality improvements were reported after laser therapy — increased mandibular range of motion, better masticatory efficiency, and improved electromyographic parameters. In the same systemic review, two studies noted reductions in stress and emotional distress associated with TMD after laser therapy treatment, which demonstrates its broader impact on patient well-being.3
As with most laser therapy protocols, there is a lack of standardization, which is always the challenge, but the most common wavelengths used ranged from 633 mn to 940 nm, with infrared wavelengths providing the deepest penetration. The range of successfully used energy densities was from 0.9 to 105 J/ cm2. Treatments are typically performed daily for acute cases or one time a week for four to 10 total treatments.
Laser therapy is a promising noninvasive treatment for TMD, offering pain reduction, functional improvement, and psychological support. In addition to other chiropractic techniques and protocols, laser therapy can be used for patients seeking an alternative to pharmacological or invasive treatments with ultra-high effectiveness.
Dr. Ryan Novak is a practicing naturopathic and chiropractic physician, along with being the chief scientific officer (CSO) for a sonophotobiomodulation therapy medical device facility and consulting firm that develops and distributes FDA-approved and registered devices, such as the PainBuster Super Pulsed Laser.
1. Gauer RL, Semidey MJ. Diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Mar 15;91(6):378-86. PMID: 25822556. Accessed: 01/28/2025.
2. Zwiri A, Alrawashdeh MA, Khan M, Ahmad WMAW, Kassim NK, Ahmed Asif J, Suan Phaik K, Husein A, Ab-Ghani Z. Effectiveness of the Laser Application in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Systematic Review of 1172 Patients. Pain Res Manag. 2020 Sep 11:2020:5971032. doi: 10.1155/2020/5971032. PMID: 33005278; PMCID: PMC7503120. Accessed: 01/28/2025.
3. Ahmad SA, Hasan S, Saeed S, Khan A, Khan M. Low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review. J Med Life. 2021 Mar-Apr; 14(2): 148-164. doi: 10.25122/jml-2020-0169. PMID: 34104237; PMCID: PMC8169142. Accessed: 01/29/2025.
4. Ahmad SA, Hasan S, Saeed S, Khan A, Khan M. Low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review. J Med Life. 2021 Mar-Apr; 14(2): 148-164. doi: 10.25122/jml-2020-0169. PMID: 34104237; PMCID: PMC8169142. Accessed: 01/29/2025.
