Low-Level Laser Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders and Anxiety

Low-Level Laser Auriculotherapy (LLLT-AT) is a non-invasive, painless treatment that applies infrared laser (class IIIb, 905 nm) to specific auricular acupuncture points. It aims to reduce musculoskeletal pain and anxiety by stimulating mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, increasing ATP production, promoting tissue repair, and modulating inflammation. LLLT also reduces nerve excitability and triggers β-endorphin release, aiding in pain control. Auricular stimulation may influence autonomic nervous system activity, impacting both physical and emotional symptoms. The intervention consists of two sessions per week over three weeks, following standard laser safety procedures.

Sham LLLT-AT replicates the active procedure using the same laser device and parameters, but without light emission. The probe will be deactivated and applied to the same auricular points twice weekly for three weeks. As LLLT is painless and athermal, participants are unlikely to distinguish the sham condition. Standard safety protocols will be maintained.

Myofascial release is a manual therapy applied bilaterally to the masseter and temporalis muscles as a baseline intervention. Each session includes 1 minute of ischemic pressure, 1 minute of myofascial release, 30 seconds of positional release, and 30 seconds of general mobilization per muscle. The protocol consists of two sessions per week for three weeks (six sessions total), aiming to reduce muscle tension and improve mandibular function.