Comparing the Effect of Physical Therapy With Oral Appliance on Temporomandibular Disorder Related Myofascial Pain

Comparing the Effect of Physical Therapy With Oral Appliance on Temporomandibular Disorder Related Myofascial Pain

the purpose of this study is to compare the effect of physical therapy (PT) program and oral appliance on patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related myofascial pain (MFP).

The details of each intervention are listed as following:

• physical therapy program group (PT): manual myofascial release over craniomandibular system, chin-in exercise and self-care education
• oral appliance group (splint): custom-made stabilization splint and self-care education

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) 20-65 years old female, (2) diagnosed as MFP subtype of TMD according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD), (3) pain duration over 3 month, (4) palpable taut band in masseter, (5) Asymmetrical pain intensity, (6) subsided symptoms of joint inflammation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) traumatic TMD from external impact force, (2) history of traumatic cervical injury, (3) presence of systemic disease, (4) fibromyalgia, (5) co-interventions for cervical problems or TMD during study period, (6) signs of psychosomatic illness, (7) unwilling to be randomized, (8) unable to wear the splint or received intraoral myofascial release, (9)pregnancy.