A home-based exercise program for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: pain, functionality, and joint structure
Salvador Israel Macías‐Hernández, Juan Daniel Morones-Alba, Irene Tapia-Ferrusco, Oscar Benjamín Velez-Gutiérrez, Cristina Hernández‐Díaz, Tania Inés Nava‐Bringas, Eva Cruz‐Medina, Lya Contreras-del Toro, Ma. de los Angeles Soria-Bastida
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent and disabling joint disease in the world. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exercise is a widely used treatment and could be a beneficial and long-term tool for treating TMJ OA. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise in the conservative treatment of TMJ OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-group experimental pre-post test was performed. We included patients who met the diagnostic criteria for TMJ OA. Outcome variables were pain intensity (visual analogue scale), functionality (Helkimo index), and structural changes (ultrasound). Follow-up periods were at months 1, 3, and 6. The intervention included a home-based program with thermotherapy, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise during the entire follow-up period. RESULTS: =0.001). Ultrasound showed improved disc position. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function, and joint disc position and represents a valuable tool for the long-term treatment of patients with TMJ OA.