Hypnosis and relaxation techniques in the management of temporomandibular disorders: a scoping review

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common causes of orofacial pain, influenced by psychological and behavioural factors. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as hypnosis and relaxation techniques, have been proposed to modulate pain perception, reduce muscle hyperactivity, and improve coping. However, their role in TMD management remains unclear. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize the available evidence on the use of hypnosis and relaxation interventions in adolescents and adults with TMD. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases from January 1992 to January 2026 identified a limited number of eligible studies (n = 10), comprising randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, with substantial methodological heterogeneity in study design. Methodological quality was appraised using a simplified Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Interventions included medical hypnosis, hypnosis combined with cognitive-behavioural therapy, and various relaxation techniques, delivered as stand-alone or adjunctive therapies. Findings for the 661 participants were inconsistent: hypnosis-based interventions suggested potential reductions in pain intensity and psychological distress, whereas relaxation techniques showed mixed results, particularly when compared to standard treatments such as occlusal splints. Methodological appraisal revealed variability in study quality, with three studies at low risk of bias, four at moderate risk, and three at high risk. Overall, the small number of studies and their marked heterogeneity substantially limit the interpretability and comparability of findings, thereby constraining their integration into a robust evidence-based biopsychosocial model for TMD management. Consequently, current evidence remains preliminary and insufficient to support firm clinical recommendations. Nevertheless, these approaches are conceptually aligned with the biopsychosocial model of TMD, and preliminary results suggest that hypnosis and relaxation may represent low-risk adjunctive strategies within multimodal TMD management, particularly for patients with stress-sensitive or centrally sensitized pain profiles. Future well-designed, adequately powered trials with standardized interventions and multidimensional outcomes are needed to clarify their clinical utility.