Cold Laser Therapy for TMJ Capsulitis and Synovitis in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for TMJ Capsulitis and Synovitis in Perth

Introduction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to the skull and plays a vital role in speaking, chewing, and facial movement. When the joint capsule or surrounding synovial tissue becomes inflamed known as TMJ capsulitis or synovitis patients often experience jaw pain, stiffness, clicking, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

These inflammatory TMJ conditions can result from overuse (teeth clenching, grinding), trauma, stress, or misalignment.

Cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy, LLLT) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that may assist in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting tissue healing in TMJ disorders.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Capsulitis/Synovitis

• Pain or tenderness near the jaw joint (in front of the ear)
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
• Limited mouth opening or difficulty chewing
• Headache or earache without ear infection
• Jaw deviation when opening or closing
• Pain that increases with stress or after eating hard foods

If untreated, inflammation may become chronic, leading to altered bite mechanics and further discomfort.

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help

Cold laser therapy works by emitting low-level light energy into the affected tissues, helping to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation at the source.

For TMJ capsulitis and synovitis, LLLT may assist by:

• Reducing inflammation: Inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting vasodilation within the joint capsule.
• Decreasing pain sensitivity: Modulating local nerve conduction and reducing muscle hyperactivity in the jaw and surrounding areas.
• Improving joint function: Enhancing local circulation and supporting recovery of soft tissue structures such as ligaments and synovial membranes.
• Accelerating tissue healing: Stimulating mitochondrial activity to enhance ATP production and collagen synthesis.

Because the TMJ is small and complex, cold laser therapy offers a safe and precise way to target inflammation without the use of medication or invasive procedures.

Integration with Chiropractic and Other Modalities

At Cold Laser Perth, management of TMJ conditions typically involves an integrated approach:

• Cold laser therapy: Applied over the TMJ, masticatory muscles, and associated trigger points to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Chiropractic and manual therapy: Addressing cervical joint mechanics that may influence jaw alignment and muscle tone. Chiropractors can perform gentle mobilisation to the TMJ as well.
• Myofascial release and Dry needling: Focused on the temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles to relieve tension.
• Home advice: Jaw relaxation techniques, posture correction, and avoiding excessive clenching or hard foods.

This combined care helps relieve symptoms while improving overall jaw function and alignment.

Recent Research

A growing body of evidence supports low-level laser therapy in managing TMJ inflammation and dysfunction:

In a randomized, double-blind trial of 99 patients with disc-displacement or osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), super-pulsed low-level laser therapy (SLLLT) was compared with ibuprofen and a sham-laser placebo. The SLLLT group showed significantly greater pain reduction (from day 5 onward) and improved mandibular function (mouth opening and lateral motion) at one month compared to both NSAID and control groups, indicating that SLLLT may provide superior outcomes in TMJ pain and dysfunction.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined randomized clinical trials of photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with myofascial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The analysis included studies up to February 2019 and found that laser-treated groups experienced significantly greater reductions in pain intensity compared to placebo, and the intervention was more cost-effective. However, the authors pointed out moderate evidence quality and heterogeneity in treatment protocols, calling for standardisation in future research.

Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking, cold laser therapy may assist your recovery. Our team at Cold Laser Perth, located within Lakeside Chiropractic Joondalup, provides tailored laser therapy and manual care designed to help reduce inflammation and restore comfortable jaw movement.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

📞 Or call (08) 9300 0095 to book your appointment today.

Serving Perth’s Northern Suburbs Cold Laser Perth proudly serves patients across Joondalup and nearby suburbs 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. Marini, I., Gatto, M.R., & Alessandri Bonetti, G. (2010). Effects of superpulsed low-level laser therapy on temporomandibular joint pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, 26(7), 611-616. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181e0190d
2. Sobral, A. P.-T., Sobral, S. S., Campos, T. M., Horliana, A. C. R.-T., Fernandes, K. P. S., Bussadori, S. K., & Motta, L. J. (2021). Photobiomodulation and myofascial temporomandibular disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis followed by cost-effectiveness analysis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, 13(7), e724–e732. https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.58084