A noninvasive heat-based therapy known as diathermy may help reduce pain and improve jaw movement in people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Dentistry.
Researchers reported that while diathermy does not lead to complete recovery, it can ease TMJ-related symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. The findings may be relevant for patients undergoing orthodontic treatments, including Clear Aligner therapy, who experience TMJ discomfort.
The study, led by Funda Goker of the University of Milan, evaluated 10 patients aged 22 to 50 with TMJ complaints but no internal joint displacement. Between February 2022 and February 2024, participants received one diathermy session per week for five weeks.
Diathermy uses radio waves to generate deep heat in muscles and joints. In this study, clinicians applied extraoral diathermy to both sides of the face, including the cheeks, mandibular angle, and TMJ area. A metal plate and conductive gel were used to improve energy transmission and reduce resistance.
Researchers assessed outcomes using 47 items from the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC-TMD) questionnaire, measuring pain, jaw mobility, anxiety, and quality-of-life impacts at each treatment session.
Results showed consistent improvement across several measures. Anxiety levels declined from 31.85% at the first session to 28.15% after the final treatment. TMJ sounds dropped from 9.26% to 3.33%, while muscle pain decreased from 37.78% to 22.22%. Jaw locking was nearly eliminated, falling from 5.19% to 0.37%.
Among all outcomes, only mandibular functional limitation reached statistical significance, decreasing from 30.37% to 11.48% (p = 0.0216), indicating improved jaw function.
The authors cautioned that the study’s small sample size and short follow-up period limit the strength of the conclusions. They called for larger, well-designed clinical trials to confirm the benefits.
Despite these limitations, the researchers concluded that diathermy may be a useful supportive treatment for TMJ disorders, helping reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life.
