Facial Pain Research Study
Researchers at the University of Florida are evaluating light therapy as a potential treatment for facial pain.
Fast Facts
Ages 18+
Experience Facial Pain
Compensation Provided
Able to Commute to Gainesville, FL for 11 Study Visits
Study Background
The University of Florida is seeking volunteers to take part in a clinical research study to learn about a possible treatment for facial pain.
The purpose of this research study is to learn about a possible treatment for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. This study will test the use of Photobiomodulation (PBM), which is a combination of low-level cold laser therapy and Light-emitting Diodes. PBM, or light therapy, has been used to treat muscle pain and other pain conditions for over 30 years. This study will test if this type of treatment is helpful for people suffering with TMD pain. For the PBMtreatment, you will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive either real or placebo light therapy. Placebo light therapy is similar to real light therapy; however, the light does not have the same active effects.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to come to our research clinic at the University of Florida for 11 visits. The entire study would last approximately 7-8 months. During the study, you will participate in clinical exams and sensory tests, provide a blood sample, and complete several questionnaires about your health and pain at each visit. Additionally, you will be asked to keep a brief daily symptom diary for the duration of the study.
Study Background
The University of Florida is seeking volunteers to take part in a clinical research study to learn about a possible treatment for facial pain.
The purpose of this research study is to learn about a possible treatment for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. This study will test the use of Photobiomodulation (PBM), which is a combination of low-level cold laser therapy and Light-emitting Diodes. PBM, or light therapy, has been used to treat muscle pain and other pain conditions for over 30 years. This study will test if this type of treatment is helpful for people suffering with TMD pain. For the PBMtreatment, you will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive either real or placebo light therapy. Placebo light therapy is similar to real light therapy; however, the light does not have the same active effects.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to come to our research clinic at the University of Florida for 11 visits. The entire study would last approximately 7-8 months. During the study, you will participate in clinical exams and sensory tests, provide a blood sample, and complete several questionnaires about your health and pain at each visit. Additionally, you will be asked to keep a brief daily symptom diary for the duration of the study.
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effects of low-level cold laser therapy and light-emitting diodes as a potential treatment for facial pain.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Diagnosed with TMD and/or experiencing facial pain (e.g., jaws, temples, ears) for at least 3 months
- Able to commute to Gainesville, Florida for 11 study visits
Once enrolled, this study involves:
- Attending 11 in-person visits
- Participating in clinical exams and sensory tests
- Providing a blood sample
- Completing several questionnaires about your health and pain at each visit
- Keeping a brief daily symptom diary for the duration of the study
Compensation is provided up to $500 for your participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
