temporomandibular disorders and physical therapy approaches

Temporomandibular disorders are comprised of clinical problems associated with masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint and neighboring tissues. The frequency of temporomandibular disorders is high among premenopausal women. Patient education and behavioral therapy, occlusal splints, pharmacological agents, intra-articular and surgical approaches and physical therapy methods are used in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Physical therapy approaches include exercise (passive stretching, resistive and posture exercises), superficial heat and cold applications, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, trigger point injections, acupuncture and laser. In this article, temporomandibular disorders were reviewed and physical therapy methods used for treatment were discussed in detail. [Archives Medical Review Journal 2015; 24(4.000): 542-554]