Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic injury to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) may cause persistent neurosensory dysfunction (NSD) in the lower lip and chin, severely impairing quality of life. Massage therapy has emerged as a supportive intervention for managing such disturbances following peripheral nerve injuries. However, effective non-invasive interventions for neurosensory recovery remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the synergic effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) and massage Therapy on neurosensory recovery associated with the lower lip and chin in patients with IAN injury.
Methods: This was an interventional prospective case series including six patients (n=6; 4 females, 2 males; aged 28–42 years) with NSD post-oral surgery. They received PBM therapy (635 nm, 4 J/cm²) at extraoral and intraoral sites every 48 hours for≥8 sessions, plus daily 10-minute self-administered massage therapy with gentle circular strokes to promote circulation and reduce paresthesia. Neurosensory assessments used quantitative tactile boundary mapping at baseline, post-sessions, and at the 6-month follow-up. Visual analogue scale (VAS) neurosensory tests were recorded at the first treatment session (mean 2.0±1.8) and after the last treatment session (mean 9.0±0.9).
Results: Pre-treatment assessments documented symptoms including lip biting, drooling, and food retention. After≥8 sessions, these symptoms resolved completely in 100% of patients (n=6). The duration of paresthesia was inversely correlated with changes in the VAS. Objective boundary mapping revealed the elimination of numbness areas in patients, with residual areas reduced to approximately 1 cm² in the remainder.
Conclusion: A multi-site 635 nm photobiomodulation (PBM) protocol combined with massage therapy was associated with subjective and objective improvements in patients with traumatic inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) neurosensory disturbances. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of this non-invasive approach for managing IAN-related sensory deficits. Further research with larger samples and a rigorous design is needed to confirm its efficacy.