Physiotherapeutic approach in temporomandibular disorders: retrospective study

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint is a highly specialized structure in craniomandibular complex. This structure can be compromised by neurological, orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems, originating temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD carries a particular symptomatology, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat, accompanied by lack of movement coordination and painful manifestations associated to biomechanical unbalance of the joint and its related structures. A retrospective long-term study made it possible to evaluate the results of a physiotherapeutic intervention in patients with TMD who were treated in a Public Health Service in Campinas, Brazil. Two different groups were considered: Group I (n = 27) was submitted to a complete physiotherapeutic treatment; Group II (n = 19), did not complete the proposed program. The follow up periods, ranging from 4 to 18 months after treatment, were carried out by a telephone interview, in which the patients were asked questions related to the manifested complaints at that time. The results revealed 21 patients in group I with no painful manifestations at the end of the therapy. During the follow up period, 16 patients in group 1 and 5 patients in group II were asymptomatic, but 10 patients in group I and 16 in group II had remained in treatment by other specialties, as neurology, dentistry, psychiatry and others. The observed results indicate that an interdisciplinary approach is essential in these cases and a comprehensive methodology to physical therapy could play an important role in TMD treatment.