The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the technique of global postural re-education (GPR) on body alignment and clinical status of individuals with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) associated to postural deviations. Twenty individuals with both TMD and postural deviations confirmed by physical examination were assessed, before and after treatment, by the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and as to body angle measures, by digital photogrammetry. Treatment consisted of 10 weekly, 45-minute GPR sessions. Results after treatment show higher predominance of myogenic dysfunction (rather than joint or disc ones) and significant orofacial pain intensity relief; the percentage of individuals without depression raised from10% to 35%; the percentage of individuals with physical symptoms classified as normal (excluding pain items) raised from 30 to 55%. A statistically significant improvement was found in most body structures angle measures, except at lower limb frontal angles and at the right leg/foot angle. Head alignment and measures of cervical and lumbar lordosis, having normal values before treatment, did not change. Hence the GPR treatment may be said to have brought significant relief of TMD physical and psychological symptoms, as well as improvement in body alignment and symmetry.
Physical therapy modalities; Posture; Temporomandibular joint disorders
