Characteristics of 511 Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders Referred for Physical Therapy

Objective: This study aimed (1) to identify the diagnostic subsets of a patient population with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) referred from dental professionals to a physical therapist (PT) in an outpatient physical therapy practice and (2) to use the characteristics of this TMD population to assist clinical decision making in the management of TMD.

Study Design: This was an institutional review board-approved, retrospective study of 511 patients referred to a PT. The PT followed the diagnostic guidelines of axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD).

Results: All 8 diagnostic subsets of the RDC/TMD were diagnosed among the 511 patients. Concurrent diagnostic subsets, cervical spine involvement, and oral appliance use were described.

Conclusions: PTs in an outpatient practice should be proficient in the use of the RDC/TMD. Characteristics identified with this patient population suggest that dentists should involve the services of PTs early in the management of patients with TMD and cervical symptoms.