Therapeutic effectiveness of a combined counseling plus stabilization appliance treatment for myofascial pain of the jaw muscles: A pilot study

Objective: This study aims to assess changes over time in pain intensity (VAS) and in pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the anterior temporalis and masseter muscles with a treatment protocol combining counseling and stabilization appliance as well as its effects on psychosocial factors. Methods: Twenty individuals with myofascial pain of jaw muscles lasting from at least six months were selected for an uncontrolled before-after study. Counseling was performed by giving information on myofascial pain and advice on self-management. Stabilization appliances were delivered one week after the first counseling session. A number of outcome variables (i.e. visual analogue scale [VAS], pain pressure threshold [PPT] and Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders axis II [RDC/TMD]) were assessed at different evaluation points during a six-month follow-up. ANOVA for repeated measures and Pearson's correlation test were used to evaluate changes in the outcome variables over time. Results: Compared to baseline data, a significant positive change was found at the 1st week, 1st, 3(rd), and 6th month evaluations for VAS values (P < 0.0001) and at the 1st week, 3(rd), and 6th month evaluations for PPT values (P < 0.05). RDC/TMD axis II values were significantly different (P < 0.05) from baseline to all evaluations points. Conclusion: The association of counseling and stabilization appliance is effective in the management of chronic myofascial pain of jaw muscles. Future controlled studies are required to get deeper into the assessment of the relative effectiveness of counseling and stabilization appliances.