Evaluation of single session physical therapy methods in bruxism patients using shear wave ultrasonography

Abstract

Objective To compare the immediate effects of a single session of manual therapy (MT) or Kinesio taping following MT (KTMT) in patients with bruxism using shear wave ultrasonography. Methods Twenty patients were included in the MT group (mean age 27.3 +/- 4.8), and 19 patients were included in the KTMT group (age mean 26.2 +/- 5.4), randomly. Muscle thickness and stiffness were assessed via shear wave ultrasonography, and pain pressure threshold was assessed with an algometer before and after one session of MT or KTMT. Results Significant decreases were found in muscle thickness and stiffness of the bilateral masseter (p < 0.05). Significant decrease in pain was seen in the masseter and temporalis muscle PPT measurements in the KTMT group (p < 0.05) only. Conclusion Kinesio taping in addition to MT is recommended in the immediate physiotherapy treatment of bruxism for acute pain