Role of Physiotherapy and Myofunctional Therapy in TMD Rehabilitation – Non-Invasive Approaches for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated muscles, leading to pain and functional limitations. Non-invasive therapies, such as physiotherapy and myofunctional therapy, have gained attention for their role in pain management and functional rehabilitation.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of physiotherapy and myofunctional therapy in reducing pain and improving mandibular function in patients with TMD.

Methodology: This prospective interventional trial at Sadar Hospital, Hajipur, Vaishali, Bihar, included 100 TMD patients from October 2022 to September 2023. A set of 50 patients received physiotherapy and another 50 received myofunctional therapy for eight weeks. VAS score, MFIQ score, and mouth openness were measured before and after therapy.

Results: Both interventions significantly reduced pain (59.2% VAS reduction, 52.7% Myofunctional therapy; p < 0.001) and improved jaw function (MFIQ improvement, 41.7% Physiotherapy, 35.0% Myofunctional therapy). Maximum mouth opening increased 8.3 mm in physiotherapy and 6.4 mm in myofunctional therapy. Patient satisfaction was high (84% vs. 78%).

Conclusion: Both physiotherapy and myofunctional therapy are effective non-invasive treatments for TMD rehabilitation, with physiotherapy showing greater improvement in pain relief and joint mobility, while myofunctional therapy was beneficial for orofacial muscle function and posture correction. A combined approach may offer optimal long-term benefits.

Keywords: Temporomandibular disorder, Physiotherapy, Myofunctional therapy, Non-invasive rehabilitation