Peloid Therapy in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is associated with pain, impaired chewing, restricted jaw function, and, in some patients, referred otalgia. Conservative treatment options are commonly used as first-line management, but the clinical evidence for some physical therapy modalities remains limited.

Peloid therapy is a local thermotherapeutic intervention used in balneotherapy and physical medicine. It may provide analgesic and muscle-relaxing effects through superficial heat and local tissue responses. However, prospective data evaluating its clinical effect in temporomandibular joint dysfunction are limited.

This study is designed to assess changes in jaw-related functional limitation and pain after a standardized 2-week course of local peloid therapy in adults diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Functional status, pain intensity, mouth opening, symptom severity, and secondary otalgia will be assessed before and after treatment using standardized clinical measures.

The study may provide additional evidence on the role of peloid therapy as a conservative supportive treatment option for temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction based on DC/TMD criteria
• Presence of TMJ-related pain for at least 4 weeks
• Baseline pain intensity ≥3 on a 0-10 visual analog scale
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of temporomandibular joint trauma, tumor, active infection, or acute inflammation
• Previous temporomandibular joint surgery
• Presence of systemic inflammatory rheumatologic disease
• Pregnancy
• Open wound, active dermatitis, or skin condition preventing peloid application at the treatment site
• Injection therapy (e.g., botulinum toxin) or regular physical therapy for TMJ within the past 3 months
• Any clinical or behavioral condition that may interfere with study compliance