Comparison of the application of kinesiotape and stretching to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle in patients with myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder

Objective: Kinesiotape application and Stretching should be used to determine pain, range of motion and functional status in patients with myofascial pain due to Temporomandibular joint disorder. Method: Thirty-three patients who received a diagnosis of myofascial pain due to Temporomandibular joint disorder were included in the study. Patients were divided into a simple randomization-resultant Kinesiotape group, a stretch group, and a control group. Patients in the Kinesiotape and Stretching group were treated by the same physiotherapist for two weeks, two days a week, on the upper trapezium and Sternoclmuscles. Physiotherapy program was not applied to the control group. The evaluation of Kinesiotape and Stretch group was evaluated by range of motion (goniometer), muscle strength (manual), pain (Visual analog scale and algometer), functional assessment at the end of the 1st week and the end of the 2nd week and the control group before the application and at the end of the 2nd week. Results: Groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics and evaluated parameters before the application (p> 0,05). According to pre-treatment of and stretching group, Visual analog scale and algometer results showed a decrease at the end of the 1st week and at the end of the 2nd week (p <0,05). There was a statistically significant difference between the and the stretching group at the mandibular depression (p <0.05). Patient Health Questionnaire and Functional Restriction Scale of the jaw also showed a positive change in the Kinesiotape and stretching groups (p <0.05). In all three groups, the range of motion and muscle strength of cervical joints did not change after the treatment. (P> 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with myofascial pain due to temporomandibular joint disorder, Kinesiotape and stretching applications have similar effects in reducing pain, increasing mouth opening distance and functionality. There is a need for applications for different muscles and for exercises in postural exercises.