ABSTRACT
Background: Bruxism is significantly associated with
craniofacial pain, feeling of stiffness or fatigue of the jaw and neck
pain. Various physiotherapeutic strategies are used in the treatment of
bruxism, however, it is not clear which method leads to greater decrease
in pain.
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of
two physiotherapy methods (manual therapy (MT) and Kinesio taping with
manual therapy (KTMT)) in patients with bruxism.
Methods: Patients were randomized into MT or KTMT groups.
Evaluations were performed at baseline and following four weeks of
physiotherapy. Muscle thickness and stiffness were assessed via
shearwave ultrasonography; pain thresholds were evaluated using
algometer. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index and Quality of life was assessed with Likert scales regarding the
associated symptoms.
Results: Significant improvements were found in muscle
stiffness, pain threshold, sleep quality, quality of life
(p<0.05) in both MT and KTMT group. Pain in bilateral
temporalis and right occipital region of the trapezius muscle decreased
more in the KTMT group compared to the MT group (p<0.05). No
significant differences in muscle thickness (p>0.05) were
found in either of the groups.
Conclusion: Both MT and KTMT methods were effective in the
treatment of bruxism. KT used in conjunction with MT has additionally
decreased jaw pain and temporal region pain when compared to MT
intervention only. Therefore, if jaw pain is the primary complaint of a
patient, our results recommend including KT application in the
physiotherapeutic treatment program.
KEYWORDS: Bruxism, Pain, Manual Therapy, Kinesio Taping,
Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation
The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov with an ID of NCT
04363931.
What is already known about this topic?: There is no certain
treatment for Bruxism. However, the most recent recommendation is to
follow an approach prior consisting of; physiotherapy, plates, pep talk,
pills and psychology. However, literature regarding which intervention
is the most effective in bruxism is not clear.
What does this article add?: Following treatment with manual
therapy and Kinesio taping, Significant improvements were found in
muscle stiffness, pain threshold, sleep quality, quality of life in
patients with Bruxism. If jaw pain is the primary complaint of a
patient, our results recommend including Kinesio Taping application in
the physiotherapeutic treatment program.