COMPARISON OF KINESIO TAPING AND MANUAL THERAPY IN TREATMENT OF PATIENTS
WITH BRUXISM USING SHEARWAVE ULTRASONOGRAPHY-A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Abstract
Background: Bruxism is significantly associated with craniofacial pain,
feeling of stiffness or fatigue of the jaw and neck pain. Various
physiotherapeutic strategies are used in the treatment of bruxism,
however, it is not clear which method leads to greater decrease in pain.
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two
physiotherapy methods (manual therapy (MT) and Kinesio taping with
manual therapy (KTMT)) in patients with bruxism. Methods: Patients were
randomized into MT or KTMT groups. Evaluations were performed at
baseline and following four weeks of physiotherapy. Muscle thickness and
stiffness were assessed via shearwave ultrasonography; pain thresholds
were evaluated using algometer. Sleep quality was assessed using
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Quality of life was assessed with
Likert scales regarding the associated symptoms. Results: Significant
improvements were found in muscle stiffness, pain threshold, sleep
quality, quality of life (p<0.05) in both MT and KTMT group.
Pain in bilateral temporalis and right occipital region of the trapezius
muscle decreased more in the KTMT group compared to the MT group
(p<0.05). No significant differences in muscle thickness
(p>0.05) were found in either of the groups. Conclusion:
Both MT and KTMT methods were effective in the treatment of bruxism. KT
used in conjunction with MT has additionally decreased jaw pain and
temporal region pain when compared to MT intervention only. Therefore,
if jaw pain is the primary complaint of a patient, our results recommend
including KT application in the physiotherapeutic treatment program.