Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a broad term used to describe various conditions involving the joint like pain, reduced range of motion, stiff muscles of mastication, clicking or popping sensation in the jaw or a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. The major causes for TMJ dysfunction can be myogenous, arthrogenous or due to disc displacement. Management of TMJ dysfunction includes occlusal splints, self care and lifestyle modification. Physiotherapy interventions include biofeedback, TMJ exercises, TMJ mobilization, electrotherapy modalities, splinting, kinesiotaping, and postural correction.

To review the effects of kinesiotaping on TMJ dysfunction.

An extensive literature search was performed on various electronic and print databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Pedro. 888 articles were retrieved based on search strategies in which 5 studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were reviewed and reported.

Literature review suggests that, kinesiotaping works as an adjunct and helps by reducing pain and increasing the jaw range of motion in individuals, but does not work by itself as a treatment method.

Keywords:Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Temporomandibular joint disorder, Kinesiotaping, Taping, Jaw dysfunction, Jaw disorder.

Temporomandibular joint is a synovial joint formed between the head of the mandible and the mandibular fossa and the temporal bone without a hyaline cartilage covering the articular surfaces. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are separated by a small shock-absorbing fibrocartilaginous biconcave disc which is present between the joint. It has osteokinematic and arthrokinematic movements which are necessary for normal function of the TMJ. Osteokinematic movements include mandibular depression, elevation, protrusion, retrusion and left and right lateral excursions. Arthrokinematic movements involve rolling, anterior glide, distraction and lateral glide. [1]

TMJ dysfunction is a broad term that is used to describe various conditions involving the joint like pain, reduced range of motion, stiff muscles of mastication, clicking or popping sensation in the jaw or a change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together [2]. This condition is not of major concern but it can become chronic over time and difficult to manage. Over 25% of the adult population are affected to a certain extent, usually affecting people between 20 and 40 years of age, and is more common in females than males [3]. According to the most recent analyses of epidemiologic data using the Temporomandibular disorder diagnostic criteria, group I (muscle disorders) accounts for 45.3%, group II (disc displacements) 41.1%, and group III (joint disorders) 30.1%. Individuals can have diagnoses from more than one group [4].

Certain risk factors that can cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction are various types of arthritis, any jaw injury, clenching of the teeth or overuse [5]. TMJ dysfunction can develop following physical trauma, for example, whiplash injury or it could be idiopathic. The major causes for temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be myogenous, arthrogenous or due to disc displacement [2, 6]. Myogenous- masticatory muscle dysfunction, myofascial pain; Arthrogenous- arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) or arthrosis [2]. The muscles of mastication are present on both sides and work together to produce the movements of the jaw. The main muscles are the masseter, temporalis and medial and lateral pterygoid muscles. Based on the movements of the jaw the lateral and medial pterygoid help in protrusion, posterior fibres of temporalis help in retraction, anterior and middle fibres of temporalis, the superficial and deep fibres of masseter and the medial pterygoid help in elevation of the mandible, lateral movements are caused by the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles [1]. The cardinal signs and symptoms seen are pain and tenderness on palpation of the muscle or the joint, restricted or reduced range of motion of the jaw, clicking or popping sound or feeling of crepitus during movement [2]. Other signs and symptoms seen are headache, dizziness, upper neck pain, ear ache, inability to eat or talk, tinnitus or a feeling of malalignment of the upper and lower dentition [6].

Various treatment options are available for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, such as occlusal splints. Self-care education and lifestyle changes like avoiding repetitive movements or avoiding clenching of tensing of the jaw. Analgesics can be given to reduce pain. Surgery is attempted if the dysfunction is chronic and does not resolve with conservative management [2]. Physiotherapy interventions include biofeedback, temporomandibular joint exercises like relaxation exercises, jaw strengthening exercises, stabilization exercises, stretching exercises, temporomandibular joint mobilization, trigger point release, moist heat or cryotherapy to reduce pain, electrotherapy modalities, splinting, kinesiotaping, dry needling, postural correction [6].

Kinesiology tape is a stretchy, thin, elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. Therapeutic kinesiology tape can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal and sports injuries, any physical disorders and inflammatory conditions [7]. Kinesio Taping Method is a rehabilitative taping technique that is used to facilitate a natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles [3] and also providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy that is administered.

Taping has the ability to reduce pain and inflammation, re-educate the neuromuscular system, prevent injury, optimize performance, and promote good circulation and healing. It has a positive physiological effect on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints [8]. It normalises the muscle tension, supports the joint during movement, helps in improving the function of the weakened muscle and improves the microcirculation at the site of application [2]. The other benefits include reducing the pain intensity and causing a change in the recruitment activity pattern of the muscle being treated [9]. It can be used together with other treatment methods and modalities and is effective during the rehabilitative and chronic phases of an injury and is also used for preventative measures [8]. In temporomandibular joint dysfunction, kinesiotaping can be used to prevent or treat jaw dislocations, reduce pain, release trigger points, or work like an oral splint. Kinesiotaping can be used by itself as an intervention or it can be used together with other physiotherapy interventions like strengthening exercises, mobilization and manipulation, pain modalities, trigger point release, or splinting. This study is aimed at reviewing the effects of kinesiotaping on temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Design: Literature review. An extensive literature search was performed on various electronic and print databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Pedro. 888 articles were retrieved based on search strategies in which 5 studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were reviewed and reported, which included 2 randomised controlled trials, 2 comparative studies and 1 case report. Inclusion criteria: Articles in English language and articles since 2014. Exclusion criteria: Non-English language articles, studies done on animals and articles without full text accessibility. A literature search was conducted using the above mentioned databases using search strategies and key words. A total of 888 articles were retrieved. The three step process- title, abstract, full text was used to select articles: Based on the title 7 articles were obtained. Based on abstract 5 articles were obtained and using eligibility criteria and free full text availability 5 articles were selected for review.

Figure 1: Flowchart of data extraction