Effects of muscle inhibition technique on relief of masticatory pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders: an experimental study

Abstract

Objectives: To verify the effects of the technique of muscle inhibition in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Methods: A longitudinal, interventional, exploratory, comparative study was conducted of seven female subjects with a mean age of 42.8 (± 19.12) years. Participants were submitted to an active muscle inhibition technique until muscle relaxation occurred. We analyzed pain intensity, range of motion and bite force. Results: The pain decreased after use of the technique(p 0.01) from 6.3 to 2.3; the range of motion showed gains in the opening (p=0.04) and an increase by 2 mm of right laterality(p=0.01) and left laterality (p=0.01), while protrusion was not affected (p=0.35). The bite force increased by 13 mmHg after the use of the technique(p 0.01). Conclusion: The technique of muscle inhibition was responsible for significant reductions in the frequency and intensity of kinesiological episodes and in changes of the functional conditions of patients with TMD.