To evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises, myofascial releasing techniques and home exercises on temporamandibular joint pain and jaw function in patients with bruxism. This randomized, controlled experimental trial included 52 patients (42 females, 10 males) aged 16 to 50 years (a mean age of 28.9 ± 11.05 years) with bruxism. The patients were separated into 3 groups, as Group 1 (n: 20) treated with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises + myofascial release techniques + home exercise, Group 2 (n: 15) treated with myofascial release + home exercise and Group 3 (n: 17), as the control group, treated with the classical methods of occlusal splint, antidepressant drugs and botox. The Visual Analog Scale, Jaw Restriction Scale and Oral Habits Checklist were used to evaluate pain, restriction of jaw movements and bad habits, respectively. All groups were evaluated at the end of 2 weeks and 6 weeks. When the pre-treatment and post-treatment parameters were compared between the groups, a decrease was determined in the parameters of pain, limitation of jaw function, and restriction of oral behavioursin Group1 and Group2 (p = 0.001, p = 0.05, respectively). This decrease was statistically greater in Group 1. No statistically significant difference was determined in Group 3 in respect of resting, active and night pain, limitation of jaw function and restriction of oral behaviour (p>0.05). Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises + myofascial releasing techniques + home exercise were found to be effective in reducing pain, improving restriction of jaw movement and oral behaviors in patients with bruxism. As the first such study, the results of this study can be considered to provide important contributions to the understanding and treatment of patients with bruxism.
Key words: Bruxism, pain, exercises, myofascial, releasing
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