Pressure release technique versus placebo applied to cervical and masticatory muscles in patients with chronic painful myofascial temporomandibular disorder: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Background: The therapeutic approach to myofascial TMD should focus on pain relief and rehabilitation of function. Objective: This study investigated whether pressure release technique (PRT) is effective for reducing pain in people with chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: A single-blinded randomised parallel-group trial, with 3 months follow-up was conducted. A total of 72 patients were randomly allocated to receive PRT or sham PRT. Primary outcome was pain assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), range of opening of the mouth (ROM), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), State–Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) and State–Trait Depression Index (ST-DEP). All parameters were assessed at baseline, at the end of the treatment and at 3 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results: There were significant main effects of time, group and interaction between time and group (F ≥ 21.92; p