The Effects of an Exercise Regimen Following TMJ Arthrocentesis

Investigation of the Efficacy of an Exercise Regimen Following Arthrocentesis in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

The goal of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of a self-administered exercise program on pain levels, jaw movement range, and jaw function in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The main question it aims to answer is:

Does adding a self-administered exercise program to arthrocentesis improve pain, mouth opening, and jaw function compared to arthrocentesis alone in patients with TMJ disorders?

Participants with acute or chronic TMJ pain lasting at least three months and limited mouth opening will undergo arthrocentesis, with one group also following an exercise regimen. Outcomes will be assessed over a 6-month follow-up period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Limited mouth opening (<35mm) and joint pain complaints according to the DC/TMD examination form,
• Pain complaints for 3 months or longer,
• Able to understand Turkish in spoken and written language,
• Patients who can read the written consent form and give signed consent will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with serious neurological disorders,
• Those with autoimmune disorders involving muscles or joints,
• Those with a history of alcoholism,
• Patients diagnosed with malignancy,
• Patients who have previously undergone surgery or radiotherapy in the head and neck region,
• Those with other TMD diagnoses that do not cause restriction or pain in mouth opening,
• Those who have received other treatments for the neck or TMJ regions in the last 3 months,
• Those with a history of surgical treatment for the temporomandibular joint,
• Those with a history of allergy to any of the agents used in the treatment process,
• Those who use drugs that affect the musculoskeletal system, and
• Pregnant patients will not be included in the study.