AN EXPERTIMENTAL STUDY TO OBSERVE THE EFFECT OF SOUND WAVE THERAPY (Sound healing) USING TUNING FORK TO TREAT TEMPORO MENDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMOLOGY

Abstract

Background: Temporo-mandibular disorders (TMDs) comprise a group of conditions that affect the
temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles responsible for mastication, and the surrounding structures. The exact
cause of TMD is not fully understood, and its development is believed to involve multiple interacting factors, including
structural abnormalities, biomechanical dysfunction, inflammatory processes, and psychological influences. Therefore,
effective management requires careful identification and treatment of the factors contributing to the disorder. In this
study an integrated treatment approach by incorporating sound healing using tuning forks alongside conventional
physiotherapy intervention has been introduce to reduce pain and improve function.
Objective: The objective of the study is to i) Assess the efficacy of sound wave using tuning fork to reduce TMJ
muscle tension, ii) Assess the efficacy of traditional physiotherapy exercises to reduce the related symptoms of temporo
mandibular dysfunction, iii) Assess qualitative measures on Activity of daily living and quality of life of people affected
with TMJ Dysfunction.
Methods: 30 Athletes Diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction (Symptom include headache,tension, fatigue or spasm of the
masticatory muscles, bruxism, teeth grinding, clenching and abnormal posture, fibromyalgia.) by the Physiotherapy
department, Orthopedic department OPD, sports rehab department were initially assessed for the inclusion or exclusion
criteria. Prior to the treatment procedure patient are oriented to the study. Participants are divided into 2 groups and both
groups assessed for the pre test parameter.
Outcome measure: VAS (Visual Analog Scale), SF-36 SCALE is used for measuring pre and post intervention
evaluation.
Results: The 6-week intervention protocol produced clinically and statistically significant improvements in both VAS
pain scores and SF-36 quality-of-life measures in Group A, with the greatest benefits in pain-related and functional
domains. Group B demonstrated smaller, less consistent improvements, consistent with natural history in TMJ
dysfunction.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed improvement in both the intervention and control groups after
completion of the treatment program. While the difference between the two groups was not substantial, participants in
both groups experienced positive changes in the assessed outcomes. Based on the overall trend of improvement from
baseline, the findings may be considered clinically satisfactory. These results suggest that both treatment approaches
were effective in producing beneficial changes, although neither intervention demonstrated a markedly superior effect
over the other.