Mandibular function after Myorelaxation Therapy in temporomandibular disorders

PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of Myorelaxation Therapy in temporomandibular disorders on the basis of mandibular movement measurements, reported functional impairment and clinical findings.Material/methodsTo ascertain the mandibular movements 78 women were investigated. The first group consisted of 32 consecutive patients (23.3 ± 4.8 years) suffering from muscle disorder and disk displacement with a reduction serving as a treated group. The second group was formed from 46 volunteers, as a healthy group (20.1 ± 1.3 years). Jaw-tracking records (K7, Myotronics-Noromed Inc.) were performed including the measurements of opening, lateral and protrusive movement range, maximal and average velocity of opening/closing. Reported impairment and clinical data were collected. The treatment involved nocturnally applied a non-occluding sublingual relaxation splint combined with daily performed stretching exercises. Measurements were taken before treatment, after 4 weeks with no interventions (control period) and after 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months.ResultsAfter the treatment mandibular opening range increased by 8 mm (19%, p < 0.05), lateral movement by 2.1 mm (36%, p < 0.05) while protrusive movement decreased by 0.5 mm (p > 0.05). Maximal and average velocity parameters significantly increased (p > 0.05). These results were supported by the decrease in reported impairment and clinical pain occurrence (p < 0.05). Only joint clicking change was non-significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsMyorelaxation Therapy was effective in the treatment of our group of patients. A significant improvement in the opening and lateral movement range, as well as opening/closing velocity was obtained after 6 months of treatment. This method can be easily managed by general practitioner, especially in muscles-related TMD types.