Effect of Rocabado Exercises With Strain Counter-Strain Technique on Muscles of Mastication for Pain, Jaw Function, and Quality of Life in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction

In brief

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting the jaw joint and masticatory muscles, leading to pain, limited jaw function, and reduced quality of life. Conservative management includes therapeutic exercises and manual therapy. Rocabado exercises improve jaw mechanics and posture, while the Strain Counterstrain technique reduces muscle tenderness and pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Rocabado exercises alone versus Rocabado exercises combined with the Strain Counterstrain technique in patients with muscular TMD. The intervention will be conducted over six weeks, with outcomes measured for pain, jaw function, and quality of life. The study seeks to determine whether the combined approach provides superior clinical outcomes.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07703059

Run by

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

People needed

44

Starts

2026-07-01

Expected to finish

2026-11-20

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-14

Who can join

Age: 20 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Diagnosed patient of muscular TMJ ;According to Fonseca Questionnaire, ranging in the age group of 20 to 50 years, with both male and female were included in the study; Maximum mouth opening (MMO) 40-60mm for diagnosis of muscular TMJ ; Mild to moderate TMJ pain ; Unilateral TMJ ; Diagnostic features of muscular TMJ dysfunction: Pain location: Jaw, temple and masseter region ; Pain Behavior: Increase with chewing, talking and clenching ; Palpation findings: tenderness at masseter and temporal region ; ROM findings: limited and painful mouth opening (<40mm) when measured with maximum mouth opening test ; MMO Test: The test involves measuring the maximum distance between the incisal edges of the upper and lower central incisors when the mouth is opened as wide as possible. This measurement is typically performed using a calibrated ruler, Vernier calipers, or a fiber ruler, with the subject positioned upright and instructed to open their mouth maximally.

You may not qualify if…

• Who do not fall into the mentioned age group, with severe TMJ dysfunction according to Fonseca Questionnaire ; Recent oral surgeries; Spondyloarthropathies ;Recent oral trauma ; Systemic disease(hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia) ; Pregnant females ;Metal implants in the oral cavity ; Patient on TMJ drugs use ; Lactating females ; Neurological deficit (MS, Parkinson diseases) that effects the fascial muscles ; Any other inflammatory diseases

Where it is running

• Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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