Physical Therapy Modalities, Exercise and Postoperative Rehabilitation in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. The most commonly used physical therapy modalities are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hot or cold application, ultrasound, biofeedback, iontophoresis, and laser applications. Exercise also constitutes an important part of the treatment. Conservative treatment methods have a success rate over 80%. Fifty percent of the symptoms usually recover within 2-4 weeks. Surgical intervention is required in only 5% of the patients. After the surgery of the temporomandibular joint disorders if appropriate postoperative rehabilitation program is taken in the first 24 hours, a significant success in pain reduction and function of the joint has been reported. In this review, physical therapy modalities used in temporomandibular joint disorders, exercise-oriented approach and the postoperative rehabilitation is summarized. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010;56 Suppl 1:15-8.