Effectiveness of Non-Thrust Posterior Glide Manipulation for Subjects with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction - An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: TMJ dysfunction is a disorder that affects the muscles, nerves, and tissues around the jaw joint. TMD manifests as pain, clicking, or restricted movement in the jaw. It causes sequel like bruxism, jaw injuries; stress and arthritis are also contributing factors. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of non-thrust posterior glide manipulation on TMJ dysfunction to reduce pain, clicking sound and jaw function limitation for subjects with TMJ dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 80 participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups. Posterior glide manipulation group (n=40) and conservative group (n=40). Total duration of study is four weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS), TMJ Range of motion, Jaw & function limitation scale score and Fonseca’s Questionnaire were used to evaluate the subjects. RESULT: Study showed significant reduction in pain, increased ROM in both the groups but when comparing post-test values of both the groups has shown that there is significant improvement in posterior glide manipulation group with the p-value of < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates an improvement in non-thrust posterior glide manipulation along with ultrasound therapy. However, posterior glide manipulation group show statistically significant improvements than conservative group in reducing TMJ dysfunction symptoms, pain and jaw function limitation.