Can extracorporeal shock wave therapy be effective in temporomandibular joint disorder?: A pilot study

Background: This study aimed to compare extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with the use of stabilization splint in nonsurgical temporomandibular disorders treatments, and to evaluate the effects.

Methods: In this study, individuals, who are diagnosed with disc displacements with reduction according to the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder examination criteria. The patients in the first control group (n = 36) were applied a medical treatment + stabilization splint. The second group (n = 25) was applied the ESWT (2 days a week for 4 weeks) + medical treatment + stabilization splint. Visual Analog Scale scores, painless maximum painless mouth opening, and passive-forced mouth opening measurements were recorded for the first and second weeks.

Results: The ESWT application significantly contributed to pain-reducing (Visual Analog Scale) in patients at short notice (P = .030) in the second group. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in painless maximum active mouth opening (P = .009) and passive forced measurements (P = .004) in the second week.

Conclusion: This pilot study showed that short-term ESWT addition to stabilization splint and medical treatment may yield satisfactory outcomes.