Our Treatment Works – And the Research Proves It

Updated: May 1

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan in Buderim, we understand that living with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or orofacial pain can be incredibly frustrating. You want answers. You want relief. And you want to know that the time and effort you invest in treatment will actually work.

The good news? Our treatment works, our integrated approach is grounded in the latest scientific research – and the results speak for themselves.

This blog is all about showing you why what we do works – backed by respected journals, international guidelines, and decades of clinical evidence.

It Starts with Education and Self-Management

We firmly believe that an informed patient is an empowered one. Our clients often feel more confident and in control when they understand why they’re in pain and how they can help manage it themselves. Research supports the use of:

Therapeutic exercises
Relaxation strategies
Self-massage
Postural advice
Soft diet and behavioural modifications

👉 These are not just "extras" – they’re scientifically validated tools shown to help reduce TMD pain and improve daily function (Michelotti et al., 2012; de Leeuw & Klasser, 2018).

Hands-On Manual Therapy That Makes a Difference

We’re known for our skilled, hands-on approach. From joint mobilisations to myofascial release, our techniques aim to reduce stiffness and restore natural movement. Numerous studies have found manual therapy to be highly effective in relieving TMD pain and improving function (Armijo-Olivo et al., 2016; von Piekartz et al., 2021). In fact, when combined with exercise, the benefits multiply (Carnes et al., 2022; La Touche et al., 2018).

Targeted Dry Needling for Muscle Pain Relief

Myofascial trigger points in the jaw and neck muscles can cause significant discomfort. We use dry needling to release those points and restore normal muscle function. A randomised controlled trial by De Meulemeester et al. (2012) showed significant improvements in both pain and jaw function following dry needling. This technique is especially useful when trigger points are causing headaches or associated with jaw clenching.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

This non-invasive treatment may sound futuristic, but the science is clear. Low-level laser therapy reduces inflammation and improves joint function, particularly in those with chronic or inflammatory TMD. Studies have consistently shown that LLLT helps relieve pain and supports faster recovery (Herranz-Aparicio et al., 2013; Maia et al., 2019).

Electroacupuncture and Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture isn’t just an ancient art—it’s a modern, evidence-based therapy. Electroacupuncture, in particular, has been shown to outperform even dry needling for reducing pain and increasing mouth opening in TMD sufferers (Zhou et al., 2017; Godoy et al., 2022). At our clinic, we tailor this to your condition, integrating acupuncture into your broader care plan where appropriate.

Bruxism Management and Supplement Support

Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) can significantly contribute to jaw pain and muscle fatigue. We assess for bruxism and provide targeted education and supplement advice. Evidence shows that magnesium and B vitamins may help with muscle relaxation and sleep quality, both of which are crucial for recovery (Manfredini et al., 2017).

A Multimodal Approach That Aligns with Best Practice

What sets our clinic apart is not just our techniques—it’s our commitment to integrated, personalised care. This includes:

Pain Neuroscience Education (Louw et al., 2016)
Exercise Therapy (Michelotti et al., 2019; Ferreira et al., 2017)
Cognitive Behavioural Strategies (Turner et al., 2016)
Ultrasound Therapy (Unverzagt et al., 2016)

These therapies aren't chosen at random. They're all backed by gold-standard research, including the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) (Schiffman & Ohrbach, 2016).

You Deserve More Than Guesswork

If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or neck tension—and you’re tired of being told to "just rest" or "live with it"—know that there are effective, research-backed treatments available.

At our Buderim clinic, we combine expert care, compassion, and science to help you regain control of your health.

📞 Book Your Appointment Today

Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan📍 Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, 4556📞 Phone: 07 3532 8605🌐 www.lcscphysiotherapy.com .au🔗 Book Online Now

By Simon.

References

Armijo-Olivo, S., et al. (2016). Effectiveness of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for temporomandibular disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy, 96(1), 9–25.
de Leeuw, R., & Klasser, G. D. (Eds.). (2018). Orofacial Pain: Guidelines for Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management (6th ed.). Quintessence Publishing.
De Meulemeester, K., et al. (2012). The effect of trigger point dry needling on the pain and dysfunction in patients with myofascial TMD: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 26(4), 297–304.
Godoy, F., et al. (2022). Electroacupuncture versus dry needling for myogenous temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled trial. Pain Medicine, 23(3), 478–488.
Herranz-Aparicio, J., et al. (2013). Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal, 18(4), e603–e612.
Maia, M. L., et al. (2019). Low-level laser therapy for temporomandibular disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 46(8), 677–685.
Manfredini, D., et al. (2017). Role of magnesium, B vitamins, and herbal remedies in bruxism and TMD: A narrative review. Cranio, 35(2), 85–91.
Michelotti, A., de Wijer, A., Steenks, M. H., & Farella, M. (2012). Home-exercise regimes for the management of non-specific temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 39(5), 346–356.
von Piekartz, H., et al. (2021). The effectiveness of manual therapy and exercises for temporomandibular disorders and associated neck pain: A systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 48(10), 1187–1201.
Zhou, M., et al. (2017). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of TMD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 13, 17–25.

(Additional references available upon request.)