Combining extracorporeal shock waves with movement in treating temporomandibular joint disorders

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical effect of shock waves combined with movement therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Methods Forty patients with class-Ⅲ temporomandibular joint function disorders were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 20. In addition to the exercise therapy, the observation group was provided with extracorporeal shock wave therapy, while the control group was given ultrashortwave therapy. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks for both groups. Before and after the intervention, discomfort was quantified using a visual analogue scale, and maximum mouth opening and Fricton′s temporomandibular joint function index were measured for both groups. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention. After the treatment the average discomfort rating and maximum mouth opening were significantly better in the observation group. The observation group′s average Fricton index was also significantly better. Conclusion Extracorporeal shock waves can be combined with movement therapy to significantly relieve the pain of patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. It can improve their maximum mouth opening and the functioning of the temporomandibular joint. Key words: Temporomandibular joint; Extracorporeal shock waves; Exercise therapy