Comparison of acupuncture and low-level laser for myofascial pain: A pilot study randomized trial

Myofascial pain in Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) involves hypersensitive facial muscle trigger points, affecting quality of life. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and low-level laser therapy for TMD-related pain relief. A randomized controlled trial with 14 participants (10 females, 4 males; mean age 29.5 years) divided into two groups (n=7). Group 1 received ten 20-minute acupuncture sessions every 48 hours, while Group 2 underwent low-power infrared laser therapy (790 nm, 120 mW) on the same schedule. Pain was assessed using a 0–10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and neuromuscular activity via bilateral electromyography (EMG) of the temporal and masseter muscles. Statistical analysis used SPSS 22.0 with Wilcoxon and paired t-tests (p<0.05). Both treatments significantly reduced subjective pain perception (VAS: Acupuncture 6.57 to 0.14; Laser 6.00 to 1.20), with no significant difference between groups. However, neither therapy significantly decreased neuromuscular activity in the temporal and masseter muscles, although acupuncture showed a trend toward reduced temporal muscle activity during clenching. Acupuncture and low-level laser therapy effectively reduced pain in patients with myofascial TMD. Despite differences in neuromuscular patterns, neither treatment significantly altered muscle activity, warranting further research to explore their underlying mechanisms.