Comparative effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound and pharmacotherapy in the management of muscular temporomandibular disorders: a randomized clinical trial
Abstract
Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) of muscular origin are a common cause of chronic orofacial pain and functional limitation. Conservative management includes pharmacotherapy and physiotherapeutic modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound. However, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness remains limited. This randomized clinical trial compared therapeutic ultrasound and pharmacotherapy in reducing pain intensity and improving mandibular function in patients with muscular TMDs.
Materials and methods: A prospective, parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted among 36 patients diagnosed with muscular TMDs according to Group I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Following ethical approval (YEC-1/2024/038) and CTRI registration (CTRI/2024/12/077788), participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 18). Group A received ibuprofen (400 mg), paracetamol (325 mg), and chlorzoxazone (250 mg) twice daily for seven days. Group B received therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.0 W/cm², continuous mode) for 10 min daily for seven days. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and maximum mouth opening was measured using a Vernier calliper. Data were analysed using paired and independent Student's t-tests (p < 0.05).
Results: All participants completed the study. Both groups showed significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in maximum mouth opening (p p = 0.002) and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 36 participants or records.
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