Massage therapy in the management of myogenic TMD: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction:The Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is greatly prevalent in the population and can be associated with bruxism. This disorder produces several signs and symptoms. Among them, pain is one of the most important because it reduces life quality and productivity of people who have such disorder. The aim of this research was to study if massage causes pain relief and/or electromyographic (EMG) changes.Materials and methods:The subjects were chosen by a questionnaire and divided into 2 different groups. Their ages varied from 19 to 22 years. The experimental group consisted of 6 TMD patients, who were submitted to the massage treatment and 4 EMG-sessions (the 1st EMG-session occurred before the treatment and the others in the 1st, 15th and 30th days after the treatment). The control group consisted of 6 TMD patients, who were submitted to the same 4 EMG-sessions. While EMG activity was recorded, subjects were asked to keep mandibular rest position (MRP) and to perform maximal voluntary clenching (MVC). The treatment consisted of 15 massage-sessions on face and neck and in application of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for measuring pain level. The massage sessions had 30 minutes of duration and were performed daily. The EMG data were processed to obtain the Root Mean Square (RMS), which were normalized by MVC.Results:It was demonstrated that (1) RMS-MRP of the right masseter in experimental group at the 1st EMG-session was higher than at the 2nd EMG-session and (2) statistically significant reduction was found for VAS values after massage session.Conclusion:Unfortunately the sample is insufficient to draw any conclusions, therefore, more studies regarding the use of massage in the management of myogenic TMD are necessary.

Effect of Facial Massage on Static Balance in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder – a Pilot Study

“…(33) The divergent findings may indicate that the effects of massage therapy are limited to local action, with a reduction in tension/pain (15) and electromyographic activity (18) in the muscles of mastication, as well as improvements in the signs and symptoms of TMD. (15,17,18) the MATLAB program, version 7.1 (The MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA).…”

“…(13) Massaging the muscles of mastication has proven to be effective in the treatment of TMD. (14)(15)(16)(17)(18) In general, massage results in a reduction in pain, an increase in joint mobility, the elimination of adherences among muscle fibers, an increase in local circulation, and overall relaxation. (19) Massage therapy leads to an increase in the range of motion of the mandible, a reduction in pain, and a reduction in the electromyographic activity of the muscles.…”

Classical massage in multiplesclerosis.

“…Thus, massotherapy can be used to promote muscle relaxation and to reduce pain, stress and anxiety. (24,25) Used to treat various pathological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, cutaneous stimulation is aimed at enabling the mechanical receptors connective tissue (26) producing the bonded elastic fibers, it stimulates synovial fluid and promotes pain reduction. Among the techniques are: slippage, which is a surface light and continuous movement performed with the percussion pressure and kneading, manipulation of the muscles, and subcutaneous tissues are alternately compressed and released.…”

Efeito de três intervenções de fisioterapia comparadas a tratamento odontológico em indivíduos com bruxismo: um ensaio clínico randomizado

“…[13,53] Os princípios para o alívio da dor através da massagem intra e extra-bucal dos músculos mastigatórios e massagem dos músculos cervicais relacionam-se com o aumento da circulação sanguínea local, melhora do metabolismo e diminuição da tonicidade. [50,53,89,115,116] Por outro lado, os objetivos dos exercícios são normalizar a abertura máxima da mandíbula e reduzir a dor para a restauração do sistema estomatognático. Quando o movimento de abertura está limitado pelo encurtamento muscular, pode ser usada a técnica de alongamento, [53] principalmente dos músculos elevadores da mandíbula, para aumentar a mobilidade e auxiliar na posição de repouso mandíbular.…”

“…[4,7,29,51,86,88,91] O efeito superior das três intervenções de fisioterapia comparadas ao tratamento odontológico no bruxismo pode ser atribuído às características inerentes destas modalidades. Enquanto a massoterapia e exercícios de alongamento muscular constituem recursos importantes, principalmente devido às propriedades fisiológicas como, aumento da circulação sanguínea, com consequente promoção de relaxamento muscular; [50,53,89,115,116,131,[169][170][171][172][173] a terapia de relaxamento e imaginação, uma modalidade associada à abordagem cognitivo-comportamental baseia-se na aplicação de procedimentos, como a aprendizagem de diferenciação entre tensão e relaxamento muscular. [63,107,[120][121][122] Além disso, a realização do treino de respiração diafragmática parece ser outra explicação razoável para a melhora superior das três intervenções de fisioterapia comparadas ao tratamento odontológico.…”