Efficacy of different combinations of physiotherapy techniques compared to exercise and patient education in temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled study

ABSTRACT

Objective

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of different types of physiotherapy approaches in individuals with cervical myofascial painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Methods

Seventy-five participants with myofascial pain of jaw muscles and cervical myofascial pain were randomized into three groups: exercise group (E), low-level laser therapy group (LLLT), and manual pressure release group (MPR). All patients were assessed before treatment and after 12 sessions of treatment.

Results

Significant improvement was seen in all groups’ pressure pain threshold (PPT) values (p < 0.01). Some masticatory and neck muscles’ PPT changes in MRP and LLLT groups were significantly higher than the exercise group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Exercise therapy is an effective approach for treatment of TMDs. Additionally, LLLT combined with exercise and MPR combined with exercise have better effects than only exercise therapy. Multimodal treatment approaches should include exercise to achieve better results in clinical practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular disorders
• exercise
• laser therapy
• pressure pain threshold
• cervical pain

Acknowledgments

A special thanks to Dentist Özge Sözen.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Source of funding for the study

This study was supported by Marmara University, The Scientific Research Projects Unit (Project number: SAG-C-YLP-081117-0621).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.