Comparison of Kinesio Taping and Manual Therapy in Treatment of Patients With Bruxism Using Shearwave Ultrasonography-a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Bruxism is significantly associated with craniofacial pain, feeling of stiffness or fatigue of the jaw and neck pain. Various physiotherapeutic strategies are used in the treatment of bruxism, however, it is not clear which method leads to greater decrease in pain. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two physiotherapy methods (manual therapy (MT) and Kinesio taping with manual therapy (KTMT)) in patients with bruxism. Methods: Patients were randomized into MT or KTMT groups. Evaluations were performed at baseline and following four weeks of physiotherapy. Muscle thickness and stiffness were assessed via shearwave ultrasonography; pain thresholds were evaluated using algometer. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Quality of life was assessed with Likert scales regarding the associated symptoms. Results: Significant improvements were found in muscle stiffness, pain threshold, sleep quality, quality of life (p<0.05) in both MT and KTMT group. Pain in bilateral temporalis and right occipital region of the trapezius muscle decreased more in the KTMT group compared to the MT group (p<0.05). No significant differences in muscle thickness (p>0.05) were found in either of the groups. Conclusion: Both MT and KTMT methods were effective in the treatment of bruxism. KT used in conjunction with MT has additionally decreased jaw pain and temporal region pain when compared to MT intervention only. Therefore, if jaw pain is the primary complaint of a patient, our results recommend including KT application in the physiotherapeutic treatment program.