Randomized controlled trial on physical therapy for TMJ closed lock.
This study evaluated the one-year effect of physical therapy on pain and mandibular dysfunction associated with anterior disc displacement without reduction of the temporomandibular joint (closed lock). Forty-nine individuals were randomly assigned to either a physical therapy group [n = 23, mean age (SD) 34.7 (14.0) yrs] or a control group [n = 26, mean age 38.5 (15.1) yrs]. At baseline and after 3, 6, 12, 26, and 52 wks, pain and mandibular function were evaluated. All patients received extensive information about avoiding parafunctions and oral habits on all evaluation days. The physical therapy group received, in a 6-week period, 9 sessions of physical therapy, including joint mobilization, exercises, and massage, and the information on avoiding parafunctions and oral habits was repeated each time. All pain variables decreased, and all function variables increased significantly over time for both groups. The interaction between time and treatment group was not significant. Hence, physical therapy had no significant additional effect in patients with anterior disc displacement, without reduction, of the temporomandibular joint (ClinicalTrials.gov number, CT01475630).
Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, 3001 Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tervuursevest 101, Leuven - Heverlee, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. bart.craane1@telenet.be
B
B
Craane
P U
PU
Dijkstra
K
K
Stappaerts
A
A
De Laat
D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome