Comparison of dry needling and low intensity laser treatments in the treatment of temporomandibular myofascial pain

The study included individuals who were admitted to the Bolu İzzet Baysal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital outpatient clinic, who were diagnosed with temporomandibular myofascial pain and who were in accordance with the study criteria.Demographic data of all patients such as age, gender, occupation were questioned and detailed physical examinations were performed. Information about those eligible to participate in the study was recorded on the patient assessment form prepared during the initial assessment. All patients were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), an algometer evaluating pain-pressure threshold, goniometric measurement of maximum mouth opening, presence of bruxism, Beck Depression Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) before treatment, after treatment and at 3 months. The group of 63 patients was randomly divided into three equal groups of 21 people. Laser treatment was applied to the 1st group and jaw exercises were given. Dry needling treatment was applied to group 2 and chin exercises were given. Group 3 was given only exercise and home programs. All patients were taught about the principle of protecting the jaw joint and were told that they could receive paracetamol if needed.