Current Exercise Approaches in Temporomandibular Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders are clinical conditions characterized by symptoms such as restricted range of motion, deviation during mouth opening, and pain, which develop due to the involvement of the contractile or non-contractile components of the joint. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as in many other disorders, constitute the primary treatment step for temporomandibular disorders. Exercise is at the forefront of the preferred physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. In this chapter, where we address current exercise approaches for temporomandibular disorders, exercise approaches are presented in a gradual manner, including patient-centered active mandibular exercises, strengthening exercises, stretching, and posture exercises. The foundation of exercise approaches in temporomandibular disorders lies in the philosophy of improving, alleviating or eliminating the accompanying symptoms to restore mandibular function. The exercise approaches preferred vary and diversify according to the characteristics of the symptoms accompanying the disorder. In this section, various exercises are included, both specific to the temporomandibular joint and for the rehabilitation of habitual malposture, which can be preferred according to the symptom characteristics of the disorder. Patient-centered active exercises and strengthening exercises focus on applications specific to the masticatory muscles, which constitute the contractile component of the joint, including the masseter, temporalis, lateral, and medial pterygoid muscles. Stretching exercises include applications specific not only to the masticatory muscles but also to the cranioservicothoracic region muscles such as the trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus muscles, which are associated with the masticatory system. The diversity in the exercises that can be preferred in temporomandibular disorders once again emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to the patient. We hope that in this section, written with this perspective, our esteemed readers will once again have the opportunity to observe how complex and intriguing the characteristics of the temporomandibular joint and disorders can be through the exercise window presented to you.