A novel treatment modality for myogenous temporomandibular disorders using aromatherapy massage with lavender oil: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Merve Benli, Jessica Olson, Olivier Huck, Mutlu Özcan
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on pain intensity and maximal mouth opening (MMO) in patients with myogenous TMD.Methods Ninety-one patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group L (aromatherapy massage with lavender oil, test), group P (massage with sweet almond oil, placebo), and group C (control). Participants were evaluated at T0 (before the intervention), T1 (immediately after the intervention), and T2 (2-month follow-up). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results For T1 and T2, group L showed the greatest MMO values (48.01 ± 0.85 mm; 45.67 ± 0.84 mm), while group C exhibited the lowest values (39.13 ± 0.49 mm; 39.66 ± 0.82 mm) (p < 0.001). For VAS, group L revealed the lowest pain values at T1 (2) and T2 (2) (p < 0.001).Discussion Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil was effective in the management of painful TMD conditions and limited mouth opening.