Using light therapy to relieve pain from jaw disorders

Photobiomodulation for the management of Temporomandibular disorder pain

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-10889280

This study is looking at how a gentle light therapy called Photobiomodulation can help relieve pain for people with jaw pain from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), and we're inviting community members to see if they qualify to participate!

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10889280 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive light therapy, to manage pain associated with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). The study will involve a randomized clinical trial where participants will receive either the active PBM treatment or a sham treatment, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of this approach. Participants will be recruited from the community and will undergo a series of evaluations to determine their eligibility based on specific pain criteria. The goal is to understand how PBM affects inflammation and pain sensitivity in individuals suffering from TMD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 and older who experience significant pain from Temporomandibular Disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently undergoing certain pain management therapies or have specific medical histories may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from TMD pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with Photobiomodulation in treating various pain conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in TMD.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.