Mandibular function after Myorelaxation Therapy in temporomandibular disorders

Purpose: The 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/methods: To 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. Results: After 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). Conclusions: Myorelaxation 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. (C) 2014 Medical University of Bialystok. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.