Kinesio Taping for temporomandibular disorders: Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial of effectiveness.

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patients with TMD.

METHODS

Patients with TMDs were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group (n= 14) received KT in combination with counseling and jaw exercise, whilst controls (n= 14) were given the regimen of counseling and exercise alone. Jaw movements, Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and self-reported measures (functional limitation and masticatory efficiency) were evaluated at baseline, first and sixth weeks of the treatment. Biobehavioral questionnaire was filled out at baseline and at sixth week.

RESULTS

Active mouth opening improved more in the experimental group than controls (p= 0.003). In the experimental group, VAS for temporomandibular joint, masticatory efficiency and functional limitation improved significantly at the sixth week when compared to baseline (p= 0.011, p= 0.001 and p= 0.001, respectively), but not in controls. Subjective treatment efficacy was higher in the experimental group than that of controls (p= 0.000). Pain, depression and disability scores reduced significantly in the experimental group (p= 0.001, p= 0.006 and p= 0.01, respectively), but not in controls.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, KT in combination with counseling and exercise is more effective than counseling and exercise alone in TMDs.