Kinesiotaping and Stretching on SKM and Upper Trapezius Muscle in TMD Patients

In the Kinesiotaping Group patients had muscle technique-inhibition method. An 'I' shaped tape was used for both SCM and upper trapezius. The tension of the tape was adjusted between 20 and 25% and the application was performed in the longest position of the muscle. The inhibition technique was applied from the insertion to the origin of the muscle. The tape was applied to cover the trigger points where pain was felt. For upper trapezius, the muscle was taped in the opposite direction on the cervical region in lateral flexion, slight flexion, shoulder depression and using the muscle technique with the I tape. For SCM muscle, the tape was applied on the muscle in the opposite direction on the cervical region with positioning in lateral flexion, extension and ipsilateral rotation using the muscle technique with I tape Taping was applied every 3 days and totally in 4 cycles.

In our application, 3 cycles of 20 seconds of stretches were applied to upper trapezius and SCM muscle. The patient was stretched in a relaxed and supported position and physiotherapist positioned the patient passively for stretching. For the SCM muscle, stretching was achieved in the positions of contralateral lateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation and extension. For upper trapezius, stretching was performed in flexion and lateral flexion. Stretching was performed every 3 days in 4 cycles in total.

Control Group patients, after the assessment by the dentist, the treatment method approved by the dentist was performed. The assessment was performed before treatment, at the end of week 1 and at the end of week 2.