[Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle in acute TMJ dysfunction syndrome]

Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle according to Cyriax's principles is an unrecognized procedure. This procedure was tried on patients presenting with temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome.

Fifteen patients were treated. Pain, joint clicking, measurement of mouth opening, lateral excursion and propulsion were recorded. Assessment was made before and after the massage in the same consultation.

Joint clicking was solved in 80% and pain in 50% of the cases. Mouth opening increased by 12.8%, propulsion by 11.6% and lateral excursion by 41.3%.

Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle according to Cyriax's principles is a simple and efficient method that can be recommended for patients presenting with temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. We performed a brief anatomical and radiological MRI study supporting the feasibility of lateral pterygoid muscle palpation.