Background Kinesiotaping is widely used in pain due to various musculoskeletal conditions. Especially sports injuries are the main area for kinesiotaping.

Objectives In our study we aimed to use in different topic, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and to show the efficacy on joint function and quality of life.

Methods We assessed 86 patients aged 18 to 38 years who attended outpatient clinic with acute or chronic TMJ pain and discomfort while chewing. A board of one physiatrist and a dentist (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) evaluated the patients. Previous dental surgery/ jaw injury and other dental pathologies excluded and 69 patients with myofascial pain and the history of sleep disorders like clenching or grinding teeth while sleeping were randomly divided into the oral splint (bite guard) and the kinesiotaping group. Kinesio taping was applied to the skin over TMJ in reverse “V” shape extended to inferior border of jaw muscle and to the anterolateral aspect of neck. Taping was applied two times per week for two weeks. In splint group, bite guard were used all day long for two weeks except sleeping period. Presence of locking of the the joint, clicking or crepitation sound were noted and limitation of ROM in TMJ were measured by distance between upper and lower incisives, Speech, eating and sleeping behaviors were assessed for daily living activities. Pain intensity was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). All the parameters were evaluated before and after intervention.

Results Thirty four subjects were assigned to the kinesiotaping group, and thirty five subjects were assigned to the oral splint group. Both in the kinesiotaping and splint group, the level of pain intensity was decreased and the ROM was increased significantly (p<0.01), (p<0.05). Comparison between the groups did not reveal significant differences in VAS and ROM. Daily eating activity and sleeping quality were improved in both groups but not in other oral activities.

Conclusions Although many etiological causes of TMJ pain, for the patients with myofascial pain and fibromyalgia, kinesiotaping is as effective as oral splints like bite guards. During daily practice, the myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia background should be assessed for the ideal treatment. In contrast to splinting, kinesiotaping is non-invasive, easy-to-apply intervention method and do not interrupt daily oral activities.

Disclosure of Interest None declared