Polarized light as valid alternative treatment of temporomandibular disorders

Aim: The objective was to assess the effectiveness of a therapy using low energy polarized light (PL) devices, in reducing pain, promoting healing of soft tissue Injuries and reducing inflammation, improving function and quality of life of the temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. Methods: 35 patients (20 female), with TMD diagnosed using standard criteria, were assessed using electromyography (EMG) and computerized mandibular scan (K6). 8-minute PL therapy has been applied, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. No other treatment was given and patients were asked to refrain from taking analgesics during the course of the study. Polarized light therapy used a non-invasive optical device to project a beam of light on to the skin and mucosa. This light has four characteristics: polarization - the light waves move in parallel planes, producing a narrow, concentrated beam, unlike ordinary light, where waves oscillate in all directions; polychromy - it contains a broad spectrum of wavelengths or colours, including visible light & part of the infrared range, enabling it to stimulate a range of light receptors on the skin (cf. lasers, which are monochromatic, i.e. they contain only one wavelength); incoherency - the light waves are out of phase or unsynchronized, unlike laser light, which is coherent; it has low energy density, unlike laser light, which may have high or low energy density. Patient reported questionnaires (PORS) and performance measures are used to assess TMD pain and function in clinical practice. PROS assess the patient's perspective, while performance measures assess functions such as mandibular kinesiology (mouth opening and closing or other standardized maneuvers) in a controlled setting. Standardized assessment of patient outcomes allows physicians to measure the success or failure of diagnostics and treatments that TMD patients receive. Results: Electromyographical, kinesiographical and clinical data showed statistically significant reductions in pain and muscular spams, improvements in function and increases in muscular strength were reported (compared to baseline measures). (P<0.01). Conclusion: Joint pain typically involving the TM} is the predominant complaint of people living with temporomandibular disorders. Pain is what drives patients to seek medical care. People with TMD are most distressed by the intensity, quality, and predictability of their joint pain, as well as its impact on physical function, sleep, fatigue, and mood. Valid and reliable PROS and performance measures are available to assess these aspects of the pain experience. The polarized light characteristics enable to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues in order to stimulate various biological processes. PL improves microcirculation, stimulate regeneration and repair, promotes wound healing and relieves pain, with no adverse effects. Low energy polarized light could be a valid alternative or concomitant treatment of temporomandibular disorders.