Temporomandibular disorder: five outcome measures of one physical therapy clinic

Abstract

There has been lots of research done on temporomandibular joint dysfunction but relatively little documentation on efficacy of treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction. This study examined the efficacy of physical therapy intervention for twenty subjects with temporomandibular dysfunction. Outcome measures consisted of upper trapezius strength, cervical range of motion (side bending), mandibular range of motion (protrusion, lateral deviation, and opening), subjective pain rating, disability index, and perceived improvement. Initial measurements and progress 'checks were recorded and the results, as determined through the analysis of variance, showed significant (p < .05) improvement in all outcome measurements except right and. left lateral deviation. The results indicated that physical therapy intervention in temporomandibular dysfunction was efficacious.