Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Intra-Oral Massage on Helkimo Index and pain in myogenic temporomandibular dysfunction: A case report

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refers to a group of conditions which involves the orofacial region dividing into those affecting the masticatory muscle & those affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).This case report discusses about a 27-year-old female suffering from myogenic TMD who had limited mouth opening, and frequent migraines apart from chronic jaw pain.She had a high Helkimo Index score with an increased pain levels on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Objective of the 2-week intervention program was to reduce pain and maximize jaw function with Muscle energy Technique (MET) & Intra-Oral Massage (IOM).Assessment at the baseline revealed extensive discomfort and difficulty in jaw movements.Patient's VAS pain level had dropped from 7 to 2 in 2nd week and also had scored a lower Helkimo index.She had increased jaw movement, pain reduction and henceforth improved activity in daily life.MET and IOM as adjunctive therapies helps in managing myogenic TMD, indicating that a combination of manual therapy approaches can offer patients complete and long-lasting relief.More studies should be carried out of these combinations of therapies to probe essential advantages in the long term.