Short-term effects of range-of-motion exercise on temporomandibular joints of patients who undergo disc displacement with reduction of temporomandibular joint

[Purpose] We investigated the short-term effects of an exercise therapy program that combined a range-of-motion exercise for the temporomandibular joint with self-traction therapy for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders who undergo disc displacement with reduction of the painful temporomandibular joint. [Participants and Methods] The program involved 31 patients with moderate or higher functional pain. The range-of-motion exercise for the temporomandibular joint was performed at the first visit by the therapist, and the patients were instructed to perform self-traction therapy in the morning and while bathing for the next 2 weeks, until their next visit. The maximum mouth opening distance and the visual analog scale scores at the first consultation and 2 weeks later were compared to assess the changes in pain on motion and mastication as well as the impact of the program on daily activities. [Results] All symptoms of the patients showed significant improvements after 2 weeks of starting the treatment. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that an exercise therapy program combining range-of-motion exercises for the temporomandibular joint and self-traction therapy may be an effective conservative therapy for reducing the pain and obstacles experienced by patients with temporomandibular joint disorders who undergo disc displacement with reduction of the painful temporomandibular joint.