The effect of self-mobilization in combination with exercises on pain and function in patients with myogenic temporomandibular disorders; a self-controlled experimental study

INTRODUCTION: Temporo-mandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal dysfunction that can affect the daily living of around 60% of the population. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured, home-based rehabilitation program combining self-mobilization and exercises in improving pain and function in patients with myogenic TMD. RESULTS: Participants showed a significant improvement in deep neck flexors endurance from pre-test 21.16 s to 32.16 at post-test (mean difference 11 s SD = 5.061), a decrease in Muscle tenderness as reported by VAS. (Temporalis muscle from 3 to 1.5 and Masseter muscle from 4 to 2 (approximately a decrease in 50%). A decrease in TMJ pain frequency from 1.97 to 1.38 (mean difference 0.59, SD = 0.911), and an increase in mouth opening ROM from 3.575 to 4.141 cm (mean difference 0.566, SD = 0.0411). CONCLUSION: Home-based self-mobilization in combination with a home rehabilitation exercise program reduced pain, decreased tenderness in mastication muscles, and improved mouth opening range in this group of TMD patients.