Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the usefulness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with myofascial release (MFR) technique for Temporomandibular myofascial pain (TMP) during pregnancy. Methods: A randomized, controlled experiment with a prospective, double-blind design was conducted on 30 pregnant women, with a mean age of 28.2±3.4 years, at 24 weeks of pregnancy, seeking treatment for chronic TMP (lasting more than 3 months). The patients were randomly assigned into either control group (CG) who received standard treatment alone in the form of therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack and exercise program or experimental group (EG) who received the standard treatment combined with LLLT and MFR. Pain intensity and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function as a primary outcome and pain pressure threshold (PPT) as a secondary outcome were assessed pre and post the treatment (four weeks program). Results: Participants from both groups improved all outcomes after the treatment (p < .001). The EG showed better improvement in the primary outcome function compared to the CG with (MD) = -2.07 (95%CI = -3.66 to -1.59). In addition, both groups significantly increased PPT at the TMJ, Masseter and Temporal anterior muscles in both sides (p < .001). Although the combined treatment resulted in clinically important changes in pain intensity, this change was more prominent in participants from the control group (MD = 2.6, 95%CI = 0.3 to 1.91). Conclusion: LLLT combined with MFR and standard treatment is superior to standard treatment alone to reduce PPT and increase TMJ function in pregnant women with TMP.

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is a frequent concern following childbirth, particularly following a cesarean section (CS). Mobile exercise applications offer promising opportunities for enhancing physical therapy services, with potential positive outcomes. Purpose: This study compared the effect of a specific DRA-targeted mobile app-based exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and multiple clinical measures to a traditional abdominal exercise program in post-CS mothers with DRA. Methods: This two-armed, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involved 40 primiparous women undergoing CS; they were classified into two equal groups. Group A participated in Just Fit, a mobile app-based abdominal exercise program, while Group B received a traditional abdominal exercise program. Both exercise programs lasted 30 min, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks as a home program with follow-up sessions once weekly at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Ultrasonography was used to measure IRD, a manual muscle test assessed abdominal muscle strength, a tape measure gauged circumferences, and a questionnaire evaluated satisfaction. Results: Both programs showed significant improvements in pre- and post-treatment measures of IRD, muscle strength, and girth (p ≤ 0.001 for all comparisons). Women in Group A exhibited significant post-treatment improvements in IRD above the umbilicus, abdominal muscle strength, girth measurements, and satisfaction compared with those in Group B. However, there were non-significant differences in IRD below the umbilicus and hip circumference between the two groups. Conclusions: The mobile app-based exercise program was associated with greater improvements in IRD above the umbilicus, abdominal muscle strength, waist and umbilical circumferences, and patient satisfaction compared with the traditional exercise program for post-CS DRA. These findings suggest that mobile app-guided rehabilitation may serve as an effective and accessible adjunct to traditional post-CS exercise programs, although larger trials are recommended to confirm these results.