Cold Laser Therapy for Facial Pain in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Facial Pain in Perth

Facial pain is often complex and persistent, affecting quality of life and interfering with daily tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling. It can stem from both musculoskeletal and neurological sources. Common causes include:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction: Inflammation or mechanical dysfunction of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles
• Trigeminal neuralgia: Irritation or compression of the trigeminal nerve, which can cause sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain
• Post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve injury: Often linked to dental procedures, jaw surgery, or facial trauma

At Cold Laser Perth, we use cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy, or LLLT) to assist with inflammation, nerve irritation, and pain relief — especially when conventional treatments have not been effective.

Common Presentations

People experiencing facial pain may report:

• Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain on one side of the face
• Tingling or electric shock-like sensations in the cheek, jaw, forehead, or around the eye
• Pain aggravated by chewing, brushing teeth, talking, or exposure to cold wind
• Tightness and reduced movement in the jaw or neck
• Episodes triggered by stress, fatigue, or temperature changes

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help

Cold laser therapy uses specific light wavelengths that penetrate tissues and stimulate healing at the cellular level. For facial pain, it may offer the following benefits:

🔹 1. Reduce Local Inflammation

Laser therapy helps modulate inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandins, which are often elevated in TMJ disorders and trigeminal nerve irritation.

🔹 2. Enhance Nerve Function and Repair

LLLT stimulates mitochondrial activity, promoting ATP (cellular energy) production and supporting nerve regeneration. This is especially important in conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or nerve injury following surgery.

🔹 3. Improve Circulation and Oxygenation

Laser light increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and improving nutrient delivery to the jaw and facial tissues.

What to Expect from Treatment

At Cold Laser Perth, we use the MR5 ACTIV PRO LaserStim®, a device that combines cold laser and electrostimulation for a more targeted effect. Treatment is:

• Non-invasive and pain-free
• Typically 15–20 minutes per session
• Conducted 2–3 times per week in the initial phase
• Often combined with jaw exercises, soft tissue therapy, or chiropractic care for best outcomes

Many people begin to notice relief within a few sessions, though chronic or nerve-related cases may require a longer treatment plan.

Chiropractic Care for Facial Pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia

Chiropractors at Lakeside Chiropractic often work with patients suffering from TMJ dysfunction and associated facial pain. Since the trigeminal nerve passes through regions affected by jaw and neck biomechanics, reducing tension and improving alignment in these areas may indirectly relieve nerve irritation.

Chiropractic care may include:

• Jaw mobilisation techniques for TMJ restriction
• Soft tissue therapy to reduce tension in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles
• Cervical spine adjustments or mobilisations, especially in the upper neck (C1–C3), which can influence trigeminal nerve input
• Postural advice and ergonomic education
• Rehabilitation exercises to improve jaw and neck function

Supporting Research

Recent research supports this multidisciplinary approach:

A 2023 randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of electromagnetic therapy (EMT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating diabetic patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The study found that both therapies significantly reduced pain intensity, but LLLT demonstrated a more pronounced effect in alleviating symptoms.

A systematic review studied in 2024 analysed multiple studies to assess the effectiveness of laser therapy in managing trigeminal neuralgia. The findings suggest that laser therapy can be a beneficial non-invasive treatment option, offering pain relief with minimal side effects.

This literature review examined the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating trigeminal neuralgia, highlighting its potential to reduce pain intensity and frequency. The review concluded that LLLT is a promising alternative to traditional treatments, with the advantage of fewer side effects.

In addition, two clinical studies have shown that LLLT can also be effective in treating TMJ-related facial pain:

• Kulekcioglu et al. (2003) conducted a randomized controlled trial and found that low-level laser therapy significantly reduced pain and muscle tenderness in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Improved jaw function and reduced discomfort were noted after treatment (PubMed).
• Marini et al. (2010) demonstrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study that LLLT led to significant reductions in pain intensity and improved jaw mobility, even in patients with long-standing TMJ dysfunction (PubMed).

Together, these studies support the use of cold laser therapy alongside chiropractic care for a more comprehensive approach to managing facial pain — particularly when the trigeminal nerve or TMJ are involved.

Book an Appointment

If you're struggling with facial pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, cold laser therapy and chiropractic care may offer a helpful alternative.

📍 Located in Joondalup

📞 Call 9300 0095 or

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

Serving Perth’s Northern Suburbs

Cold Laser Perth operates from within Lakeside Chiropractic, based in the City of Joondalup. We often see patients from nearby areas including Yanchep (6035), Tapping (6065), Carramar (6031), Currambine (6028), Wanneroo (6065), Heathridge (6027), Edgewater (6027), Gnangara (6077), Mullaloo (6027), Padbury (6025), Kingsley (6026), Woodvale (6026), Banksia Grove (6031), and Duncraig (6023).

References

1. Kulekcioglu, S., Sivrioglu, K., Ozcan, O., & Parlak, M. (2003). Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular disorder. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 32(2), 114–118.

2. Marini, I., Gatto, M. R. A., Bonetti, G. A., & Alessandri Bonetti, G. (2010). Effects of low-level laser therapy on pain and mandibular function in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 24(3), 325–329.

3. Islam, M. A., Abo Elyazed, T. I., & El Gendy, A. M. (2023). Effect of electromagnetic therapy versus low-level laser therapy on diabetic patients with trigeminal neuralgia: A randomized control trial. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 59(2), 183–191. https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.23.07501-9

4. Haghighat, S., Rezazadeh, F., Sedarat, H., Tabesh, A., Tayebi Khorami, E., & Aghasadeghi, K. (2024). Efficacy of laser therapy in trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 15(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2024.01

5. Falaki, F., Nejat, A. H., & Dalirsani, Z. (2014). The effect of low-level laser therapy on trigeminal neuralgia: A review of literature. Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects, 8(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.5681/joddd.2014.001