The invesigation of effects different physiotherapy methods on pain and quality of life in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the combined physiotherapy program and special exercise program for the temporomandibular joint (Rocabodo's 6x6) on pain and quality of life in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJDS). 20 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups by simple random method. For the study group (special exercise program group for the temporomandibular joint. (N=10; mean 31,40 ± 11,17 years), combined physiotherapy program and special exercise program for the temporomandibular joint was applied. The combined physiotherapy program consisted of ultrasound, TENS and exercise program. For the control group (N=10; mean age 35,30 ± 18,15 years), only physiotherapy program was applied. Before and after treatment patients were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Short Form 36 (SF-36) for quality of life. : Both groups showed improvement after treatment due to decrease of pain (p <0.05). There was improvement in pain, vitality and social functioning parameters of SF-36 in special exercise program group for the temporomandibular joint but in the control group only pain parameter was improved (p <0,05). More positive effect was seen in special exercise program group for the temporomandibular joint in terms of pain and quality of life. In this study, we see that healing is improved by adding special exercise program for TMJDS treatment. We recommend that this program be added to treatments since it is not frequently used in TMJDS treatment.