Kinesio Taping for temporomandibular disorders: Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial of effectiveness

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patients with TMD. METHODS: Patients with TMDs were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group (n = 14) received KT in combination with counseling and jaw exercise, whilst controls (n = 14) were given the regimen of counseling and exercise alone. Jaw movements, Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and self-reported measures (functional limitation and masticatory efficiency) were evaluated at baseline, first and sixth weeks of the treatment. Biobehavioral questionnaire was filled out at baseline and at sixth week. RESULTS: Active mouth opening improved more in the experimental group than controls (p = 0.003). In the experimental group, VAS for temporomandibular joint, masticatory efficiency and functional limitation improved significantly at the sixth week when compared to baseline (p = 0.011, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), but not in controls. Subjective treatment efficacy was higher in the experimental group than that of controls (p = 0.000). Pain, depression and disability scores reduced significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.001, p = 0.006 and p = 0.01, respectively), but not in controls. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, KT in combination with counseling and exercise is more effective than counseling and exercise alone in TMDs.