The Effect of Postural Rehabilitation on Pain, Balance, Mandibular Movement, and Posture in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients: A Comparison Between Posterior Edentulous and Dentate Groups

Abstract

Objective: Posterior edentulism reduces occlusal support, thus increasing the risk and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder. No previous study has explored its effect on the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neck posture, balance, and posterior edentulism in patients with temporomandibular disorder and compare the effectiveness of physical therapy. Methods: In a quasi-experimental controlled trial, 26 patients with temporomandibular disorder were divided into 13 in the partly edentulous group and 13 in the dentate group. Both groups received manual therapy, postural exercises, deep neck flexor stabilization, and Kinesio tapping for 6 weeks. Each participant completed 12 physiotherapy sessions, administered twice weekly, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the 6-week program, including pain, mandibular movement, posture, and balance. Results: The physical therapy program significantly improved all measured outcomes ( P < .05). Furthermore, the partially edentulous group showed more remarkable improvement in pain and balance compared to the dentate group ( P < .05). Conclusions: Postural exercises effectively alleviate symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorder, with more significant improvements observed in the partially edentulous group than in the dentate group.