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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
Sponsor: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Summary
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 Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
44
Start Date
2026-07-01
Completion Date
2026-11-20
Last Updated
2026-07-14
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Rocabado Exercise
Rocabado exercises constitute a standardized 6×6 therapeutic protocol aimed at restoring normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) biomechanics and craniocervical alignment. The intervention incorporates neuromuscular re-education techniques including tongue resting position, controlled mandibular rotation, rhythmic stabilization, axial extension of the cervical spine, and scapular postural correction. These exercises are designed to optimize joint kinematics, enhance proprioceptive control, reduce abnormal muscle activity, and improve functional jaw mobility while minimizing pain.
Strain Counterstrain Technique
The Strain Counterstrain (SCS) technique is a passive, indirect manual therapy approach targeting myofascial tender points. It involves precise positioning of the involved muscle in a shortened, position of maximal comfort to reduce aberrant muscle spindle activity and nociceptive input. Sustained positioning (typically 60-90 seconds) facilitates neuromuscular reset, decreases localized hypertonicity, and alleviates pain. In this study, SCS will be applied to the masticatory muscles, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, to improve muscle function and reduce pain sensitivity.
Locations (1)
Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan