NCT07392671

Investigation of the Effects of Different Treatment Approaches in Jaw (Temporomandibular) Joint Disorders

Investigation of the Effects of Limbic System-Oriented Combined Manual Therapy on Pain, Joint Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, Joint Position Sense, Balance, Functional Status, Emotional State, Quality of Life, and Sleep Quality in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Hacettepe University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are common conditions that may cause jaw pain, limited jaw movement, and reduced quality of life. Individuals with TMD can also experience neck-related problems, balance impairments, emotional changes, and sleep disturbances. This interventional study aims to investigate the effects of a combined physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The intervention consists of conventional manual therapy techniques applied to the temporomandibular joint and cervical region, combined with specific manual therapy techniques targeting the limbic system, along with therapeutic exercise applications. The study will evaluate the effects of this combined treatment approach on pain, jaw range of motion, joint position sense, balance, emotional status, patient satisfaction, and quality of life and sleep in individuals with TMD.

Detailed description

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a complex condition that affects the masticatory system and is frequently associated with cervical musculoskeletal impairments, altered sensorimotor control, and psychosocial factors. In addition to local biomechanical dysfunctions, individuals with temporomandibular disorders may experience changes in pain processing, emotional regulation, balance, and overall quality of life. These factors highlight the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation approach that addresses both peripheral and central mechanisms. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation interventions for temporomandibular joint dysfunction traditionally focus on the temporomandibular joint and cervical region using manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises. While these approaches are effective in improving physical impairments, emerging evidence suggests that central mechanisms, including the limbic system, may influence pain perception, emotional status, and functional outcomes in individuals with temporomandibular disorders. This interventional study is designed to investigate the effects of a combined physiotherapy and rehabilitation approach that integrates conventional manual therapy techniques applied to the temporomandibular joint and cervical region with specific manual therapy techniques oriented toward the limbic system, along with therapeutic exercise applications. The combined approach aims to address musculoskeletal, sensorimotor, and emotional components of temporomandibular joint dysfunction within a holistic rehabilitation framework. Participants diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction will undergo the intervention program and will be evaluated before and after the treatment period. The study focuses on changes in pain, jaw function, sensorimotor control, balance, emotional status, patient satisfaction, and quality of life and sleep, providing a multidimensional assessment of treatment effects. By examining the outcomes of this combined intervention, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of integrative physiotherapy strategies in the management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and to support the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation approaches that consider both physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

Conditions

• Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Conventional Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Program	The intervention is delivered over a 6-week period. Manual therapy techniques applied to the cervical region and temporomandibular joint, along with supervised jaw exercises, are administered twice per week. In addition, participants perform postural exercises as part of a home exercise program for 6 weeks, 5 days per week, three times per day, with 10 repetitions per exercise. All interventions are administered by a physiotherapist according to a standardized physiotherapy protocol.
OTHER	Limbic-Oriented Manual Therapy	In addition to the conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation program, limbic-oriented manual therapy techniques are applied over a 6-week period. Three limbic-oriented manual therapy techniques are administered during each session, with each technique applied for an average duration of approximately 3 minutes. These techniques are administered twice per week by a physiotherapist according to the study protocol. The limbic-oriented manual therapy is delivered alongside manual therapy to the cervical region and temporomandibular joint, supervised jaw exercises, and a structured home exercise program.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-12-15
• Primary completion: 2025-11-21
• Completion: 2026-02-01
• First posted: 2026-02-06
• Last updated: 2026-02-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)