Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

This prospective, single-group clinical study will evaluate whether local peloid therapy improves pain and jaw function in adults with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Participants will receive peloid therapy applied to the temporomandibular joint region and masticatory muscles for 20 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks. Pain and functional outcomes will be measured at baseline and at the end of treatment using validated clinical scales, including the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8, visual analog scale pain scores, Fonseca index, maximum mouth opening, and secondary otalgia assessment.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the leading cause of non-odontogenic orofacial pain interfering with daily activities. TMDs consist of a group of conditions affecting the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or the associated structures. Previous studies showed alterations in TMJ kinematics, cortical excitability, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masticatory muscles, and tongue pressure in individuals with TMDs compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that manual therapy applied to the cervical joint could reduce pain and improve jaw function in individuals with TMDs. However, the effects of upper cervical mobilization on TMJ kinematics, cortical excitability, tongue pressure, and EMG of masticatory muscles during mouth opening in individuals with myogenous TMDs remain unknown. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of upper cervical mobilization on TMJ kinematics, EMG of masticatory system muscles, cortical excitability, and tongue pressure in individuals with myogenous TMDs. Methods: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with a total sample size of 48 participants. Individuals diagnosed with myogenous TMDs, defined as chronic myalgia (lasting \>3 months continuously or \> 6 months intermittently) according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, will be recruited for this study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group, stratified by age and sex. The experimental group will receive a single session of upper cervical mobilization, while the control group will receive a placebo maneuver. The primary outcomes will include TMJ kinematics and EMG activity of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles, while the secondary outcomes will include cortical excitability, tongue pressure, pain intensity, and upper cervical mobility. All measurements will be taken before and immediately after the intervention. Statistical analysis: The continuous and categorical variables of clinical and demographic characteristics will be analyzed by an independent t test/Mann-Whitney U test and a Chi-square test, respectively. A 2×2 mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to analyze the outcome measures and to test the main effects and interactions between time and group. If there is a significant interaction effect, post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction will be used. The alpha level is set at 0.05.

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of a hard occlusal splint versus conservative therapy (using topical Ibuprofen gel and counseling) in the management of patients with temporomandibular (TMJ) joint disorders. The study aims to determine which treatment is more effective at reducing pain, measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), at 1 week and 4 weeks post therapy.

Jaw disorders is the leading cause in facial pain, affecting many people in the world. Despite many patients finding relief from conservative treatment, many get referred to the surgeon for an evaluation. In order to improve access to care and reduce wait times, a new advanced practice physiotherapist-led triage model is being studied.

The study aims to examine the effects of transcutaneous non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on symptoms and brain mechanisms in premenopausal women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) is the most well researched and possibly the most effective non-invasive neuromodulation treatment for chronic pain conditions that targets the brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis. Participants will be asked to come in for 2 in-clinic visits, at baseline and post treatment. Participants will also be asked to come in 2x/week for 8 consecutive weeks to receive the nVNS treatment. The in-clinic visits will include physical measures, blood draw, saliva sample, and brain MRI. Participants will be asked to collect a stool sample at home and answer online questionnaires regarding, mood, pain, and health behaviors at home, prior to the in-clinic appointments.

Dentists and physiotherapists have two options for treating these conditions: splint therapy and physiotherapy. Right now, the gold standard is individual physiotherapy, which contains manual therapy and active exercises too. Since not many dentists and physiotherapists are experts in this area, patients have to wait for months or even years to get their treatment. Thanks to social media, patients can find many information about their condition while they are waiting, but it's our responsibility to provide safe and effective information. In view of this situation, our aim is to find out if online or group physiotherapy is as effective as individual physiotherapy.

Pain in the orofacial region has a 10% prevalence in the general population and health care providers are therefore expected to encounter these patients on a daily basis. Chronic orofacial pain often presents as jaw pain related to overload of the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based behavioural intervention (Ecological Momentary Intervention, EMI) grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), compared to standard treatment with an occlusal splint and a waiting list control group.

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of two physiotherapeutic intervention programs on the quality of life in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Study design: Randomized, longitudinal, and prospective clinical trial with two intervention groups. Population: Subjects aged 18-65 years with subacute temporomandibular disorders.