Physiotherapeutic approach in temporomandibular joint disorders: case report.

Identifier:  TFG:1779

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG1779

Authors:  Anguera Garcia, Clara

Abstract:
BACKGROUND: temporomandibular disorders are a group of painful musculoskeletal conditions which alter the TMJ, the masticatory muscles and the adjacent anatomical structures. Its aetiology is multifactorial and biopsychosocial components are as important for its identification and treatment as physical ones. OBJECTIVE: to visualize the importance of a physiotherapeutic approach in TMJ dysfunctions, based on the adaptation of a clinical case, as well as the execution of a treatment focused on both causes and consequences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a 27 year old patient presents a mouth opening limitation, crackling and bilateral TMJ pain. The initial exploration confirms the above. In addition a muscle chain disorder and the presence of myofascial trigger points in the masticatory muscles and in the neck are found. A 5 week treatment addressing the specific disorders of the patient is proposed. It is based on manual therapy, muscle chain treatment, myofascial trigger point treatment, Feldenkrais Method and Health Education. CONCLUSIONS: a significant improvement is observed after the accomplishment of a treatment plan adapted according to the tolerance of the patient. This leads to conclude the need to generate a treatment protocol aimed at this type of pathologies.