Exercise therapy for craniomandibular disorders.

Abstract

To evaluate the use of exercise therapy for the treatment of craniomandibular disorders (CMDs). Before-after trial. All patients were assigned to a waiting list, serving as a no-treatment control period. Outpatient clinic for physical medicine and rehabilitation of the University of Vienna. Thirty consecutive patients suffering from CMD with anteridr disc displacement with reduction who were consulting a CMD service. (1) symptoms lasting at least 3 months, (2) pain in the temporomandibular region, (3) a positive axiography, and (4) evidence of postural dysfunction. Twenty-six patients completed the study; no adverse effects occurred. Active and passive jaw movement exercises, correction of body posture, and relaxation techniques. (1) Pain at rest, (2) pain at stress, (3) impairment, and (4) mouth opening at baseline, before and after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. During the control period, no changes occurred. After the treatment, pain and impairment were significantly reduced (Wilcoxon test, p < .001). Four patients had a restricted mouth opening, in contrast to 15 before treatment (chi2 test, p < .005). Joint clicking vanished in 13.3% and was reduced in another 13.3% (chi2 test, p < .01). These results did not change until follow-up. Seventy-five percent of the patients were treated successfully. Exercise therapy seems to be useful in the treatment of anterior disc displacement with reduction.