Light Therapy for Jaw Pain
Photobiomodulation for the management of Temporomandibular disorder pain
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11144545
This project is exploring if a special type of light therapy, called photobiomodulation, can help adults who experience chronic pain from temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are conducting a clinical trial to see if light therapy can reduce jaw pain and inflammation for people with TMD. Participants will receive a series of light therapy treatments, or a sham treatment, over several visits. We will carefully track changes in pain levels and other factors to understand how this therapy might work. Our goal is to find new, non-medication options for managing this common and often disabling condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older with TMD pain intensity of 30 or more on a 0-100 scale, who are not currently starting new pain medications or certain other treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently started new pain medications, received injections for pain, started occlusal appliance therapy, had recent facial trauma or surgery, or are undergoing active orthodontic treatment may not be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this light therapy could offer a new, non-drug option to help reduce chronic jaw pain and inflammation for people with TMD.
How similar studies have performed: Given the limited effective treatments for TMD, this approach is being rigorously tested as a potential new alternative.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIBEIRO-DASILVA, MARGARETE C — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: RIBEIRO-DASILVA, MARGARETE C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.