Will Suprahyoid Muscle Release be Effective to Improve Swallowing in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders? A Single Group Experimental Study

Background: As for jaw opening force, hyoid resting position and hyoid dynam­ics are very important and are considered to be affected directly by the suprahyoid muscles. MFR is found to be effective in giving symptomatic relief and increasing jaw ROM in patients with myofascial TMD. The study will specify the importance of Suprahyoid MFR in improving swallowing & jaw function in TMD.

Objectives: The study aimed at finding out the effectiveness of suprahyoid muscle MFR on swallowing and jaw function in patients with TMD.

Methods: 20 participants with myogenous TMD were included after fulfilling the selection criteria. Treatment strategies involved MFR to suprahyoid muscle for 3 sessions in a week for one week and home exercise program involving the tongue proprioception exercises. The outcome measures were evaluated through Sydney swallowing questionnaire (SSQ-17), LDF-TMD questionnaire and maximal interincisal opening (IIO). The data was analysed and inference was drawn through paired and unpaired t tests.

Results: The result of the present study showed that participants improved significantly (p <0.05) at post one week on all the outcome measures (IIO, SSQ & LDF-TMD).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that suprahyoid release is effective in improving swallowing in patients with TMD.