Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders and Anxiety: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Low-level laser auriculotherapy (LLLT-AT) is a non-invasive intervention increasingly explored for the management of musculoskeletal pain and psycho-emotional symptoms, which frequently coexist in myogenic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This randomized, assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT-AT as an adjunct to manual therapy in improving pressure pain threshold (PPT) and anxiety in individuals with myogenic TMDs. Forty-four participants with myogenic TMDs and clinically relevant anxiety were randomly allocated to an experimental group receiving LLLT-AT combined with a standardized myofascial release protocol (n =21) or to a control group receiving sham LLLT-AT with the same manual therapy (n =23). Interventions were delivered twice weekly for three weeks. Primary outcomes were PPT, assessed by pressure algometry, and anxiety, measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 (GAD-7) scale. Secondary outcomes included maximum mouth opening range of motion (MMOROM) and mandibular functional limitation assessed by the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale–8 (JFLS-8). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and at a four-week follow-up. Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in PPT, MMOROM, and JFLS-8 over time (p < 0.05), with no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05). Between-group analyses showed greater reductions in anxiety in the LLLT-AT group at post-intervention (p = 0.02; Hedges’ g = −1.35) and follow-up (p = 0.02; Hedges’ g = −1.68). LLLT-AT did not confer additional mechanical or functional benefits but was associated with greater reductions in anxiety when used as an adjunct to manual therapy.