Changes involving temporomandibular joint, masticatory musculature, and associated structures characterize temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect produced by photobiomodulation has contributed to pain relief and functional improvement. However, the parameters to be used have not yet been well established. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of three different photobiomodulation dosimetries in the treatment of patients with TMD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 44 subjects divided into the groups 8 J/cm (n = 11), 60 J/cm (n = 11), 105 J/cm (n = 11), and control (n = 11). Pain, symptom severity, and joint mobility were evaluated before and after a ten-session protocol of photobiomodulation with AlGaAs laser (830 nm), at a power density of 30 mW/cm. The mouth opening increased in the 8-J/cm group from 10.49 ± 4.68 to 15.40 ± 6.43 degrees, and in the right protrusion from 9.80 ± 4.2 to 12.56 ± 5.40 degrees after the intervention protocol (p < 0.05). All groups significantly decreased pain (p < 0.05). 830-nm laser photobiomodulation was effective in reducing TMD pain and symptoms at all doses tested. Only the doses of 8 J/cm were effective regarding maximal opening and protrusion of the mandible.

Introduction. Disc Protrusion (DP) is a degenerative spinal disorder. Lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion is one of the most common orthopedic injuries, leading to low back pain that radiates to the lower limbs. Physical exercise is the main element in the conservative treatment of low back pain. Objective. Comparing the effects of the McKenzie method and core stabilization exercises on the rehabilitation of patients with lumbar DP. Methods. We allocated sixty-nine patients with low back pain due to disc protrusion to the Core Group (CG), the McKenzie Group (MG), or the Core + McKenzie Group (CMG). All groups underwent three interventions per week for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. We assessed pain intensity, hamstring flexibility, functional capacity, muscle strength, and lumbopelvic stability. Results. All intervention groups significantly reduced pain intensity and functional disability, besides improving posterior muscle chain flexibility, quality of life, trunk muscle strength, and lumbopelvic stability (p < 0.05). For functional capacity, assessed through the SF-26 Questionnaire, as well as for posture holding time in the lumbopelvic stability tests, the CG and CMG significantly improved the results compared to the MG (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The results suggest that both exercise methods were efficient in reducing pain and improving function in patients with low back pain due to disc protrusion. However, the groups that used stabilization exercises showed better results in activating lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles.

Background. Shoulder pain is a very common musculoskeletal disorder that affects many people, with rotator cuff (RC) injury as one of its main causes. Objective. To analyze the efficacy of KT, both isolated and associated with exercise, on pain and function of patients with shoulder RC injuries. Method. A randomized, blind clinical trial with sixty (60) participants with RC injuries, randomized into exercise group (EG), in which participants performed an exercise protocol; kinesio tape group (KTG), with application of the elastic bandage; and exercise + kinesio tape group (EKTG), in which participants performed both protocols. We evaluated pain intensity, active and passive mobility, muscle strength, and function. Results. All intervention groups significantly improved pain, disability, and function. Regarding the latter, EKTG showed significantly greater improvements than EG and KTG (p<0.05). In addition, EKTG improved muscle strength in all evaluated movements. Groups EG and EKTG improved range of motion in all evaluated movements, for both the right and left shoulder. Conclusions. Exercises were the basis of the treatment of RC injury. When associated with an exercise protocol, kinesio tape (KT) enhanced the effect of exercise in patients with shoulder RC injury. In isolation, KT was effective in reducing pain. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) RBR-65qh7j.