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Research: NICOLAKIS and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 78
Abstract
NICOLAKIS and colleagues, University Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria, Peter.Nicolakis@AKH-Wien.ac.at, evaluated the usefulness of jaw exercise, physical therapy techniques, postural correction and relaxation for relieving pain and improving jaw movement in patients with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ; the jaw) .
Background
Methodology
The study involved 20 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) in the TMJ who had pain in the jaw area, symptoms of OA in the TMJ for at least 3 months, and presence of OA in the TMJ confirmed by X-ray . The subjects were entered onto a waiting list, and the period prior to the start of the study treatment protocol was used to assess study measures during a 'control' (no treatment) period (mean duration 35 days ). The treatment protocol (mean duration 46 days ) involved active and passive jaw movements, manual therapy, correction of body posture and relaxation techniques. Study measurements included measures of pain, impairment [of jaw movement] and incisal edge clearance.
Results
19 of the 20 patients completed the study. None of the study measures changed significantly during the control period. At the end of the study treatment period, pain and impairment had decreased significantly and incisal edge clearance increased significantly . No adverse effects of the treatment protocol were reported. When followed up again at a later date, pain and impairment were found to be further reduced . In addition, the number of patients who reported experiencing no pain at rest increased significantly to 80%, the number reporting no associated stress increased to 47% and the number reporting no impairment increased to 37% .
Conclusion
The treatment protocol used in this study, which combined exercise, physical therapy, postural correction and relaxation techniques, appeared to be beneficial for treating the symptoms and impairment caused by OA of the jaw .
References
Nicolakis P et al. An investigation of the effectiveness of exercise and manual therapy in treating symptoms of TMJ osteoarthritis. Cranio 19 (1): 26-32. Jan 2001.
