Intraoral Versus Extraoral Manual Therapy in Subjects With Temporomandibular Disorders. A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of intraoral manual therapy compared to extraoral manual therapy and a control group in adults with temporomandibular disorders. The study aims to assess how these therapies impact pain, strength, quality of life, disability, and anxiety in patients experiencing unilateral temporomandibular pain lasting more than one month. This randomized controlled trial is led by the University of Alcala and includes adults aged 18 to 75 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: six sessions of intraoral manual therapy combined with exercise and counseling, six sessions of extraoral manual therapy combined with exercise and counseling, or exercise and counseling alone without manual therapy. The manual therapies involve techniques such as ischemic compression and pain pressure release applied to the muscles around the temporomandibular joint. The exercise and counseling program includes education on contributing factors and daily exercises focused on joint mobility, stretching, and self-massage. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated at multiple time points including baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. Assessments include pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, range of motion of the temporomandibular joint, quality of life, disability, and anxiety. These measures will help determine the effects of the therapies over time. The total duration of participation varies up to six months after treatment completion, with ongoing monitoring of changes in symptoms and function.

Intraoral Versus Extraoral Manual Therapy in Subjects With Temporomandibular Disorders