Electronic acupuncture and cold laser therapy as adjuncts to pain treatment.

AbstractThe approach to craniomandibular disorders that is discussed in this article sees the temporomandibular joint as the primary or the secondary source of the problem, while recognizing that the whole body is actually involved. Clinicians who use this multifaceted approach may employ traditional physical therapy techniques, such as ice, heat, ultrasound, massage, postural exercises, and transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation. They may also place an emphasis on the newer pain and stress control methods, such as neuroprobe (electronic acupuncture), cold laser therapy, biofeedback, joint mobilization, and myofascial release techniques.Such a practitioner should work with the referring dentist or physician from the initial stages of the treatment. The improvements that occur in body alignments frequently cause the occlusal surfaces to be altered, so the functional appliance may need to be adjusted. Coordinating treatments with the dentist or the physician from the beginning can also speed the treat...