TMD-specific Physiotherapy in hEDS Patients Individuals With Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
This study aims to discover if a particular type of physiotherapy can help people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) who experience pain in their jaw, known as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Many people with hEDS also have jaw pain, and this study hopes to find a new way to help. Researchers will carefully check participants before they start physiotherapy and then ask them to complete questionnaires to see if their symptoms improve. This is an initial 'pilot' study, meaning it's a first step to explore ideas. If the results are promising, it could lead to a larger study later on to confirm these findings.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking into a specific type of physiotherapy treatment for people who have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and also suffer from jaw pain, often called temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
hEDS is a condition that affects the body's connective tissue, making joints very flexible and sometimes leading to pain and other symptoms. Jaw pain can be a common problem for people with hEDS. This study wants to see if a carefully planned physiotherapy programme can help ease this jaw pain and improve how the jaw works.
This is a 'pilot' study, which means it's a smaller, early investigation. The main goal is to see if there's a reason to believe this type of physiotherapy could be helpful. The findings from this initial study will help researchers decide if they should move forward with a larger, more detailed study in the future, possibly comparing this physiotherapy to other treatments or no treatment at all. This kind of research is important for finding better ways to support people living with hEDS and jaw pain.
Key takeaways
- This study is exploring a physiotherapy treatment for jaw pain in people with hEDS.
- It's a small, initial study to see if the treatment is promising.
- Participation involves examinations, questionnaires, and physiotherapy sessions.
- You must have a confirmed hEDS diagnosis and current jaw pain.
- The study is run in German, so participants need to be fluent.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you must be 18 years or older and have a confirmed diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). You also need to be experiencing pain around your jaw muscles or jaw joints. You must be able to speak and write in German, as the study materials and conversations will be in German.
You cannot take part if you are currently receiving any treatment specifically for your jaw pain, such as other physiotherapy, pain management for jaw issues, or treatment from an osteopath or orthopaedic specialist. You also cannot participate if you have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or a stress disorder, or if you are currently taking opioid pain medications. Being pregnant, under 18 years old, having a mental disability, or not being able to understand German are also reasons you cannot join. Finally, if you have a legal guardian who makes decisions for you, you will not be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been officially diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)?
- Are you currently experiencing pain in your jaw muscles or jaw joints?
- Can you speak and write in German?
- Are you currently *not* receiving any other treatment specifically for your jaw pain?
- Are you currently *not* pregnant, taking opioid pain relief, or diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or stress disorder?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will first have a clinical examination by a healthcare professional. This is to assess your jaw pain and how your jaw moves. You will also be asked to fill out some questionnaires about your symptoms and how they affect you. You will then start a specific physiotherapy program for your jaw. The study will track your progress by repeating examinations and questionnaires after your physiotherapy to see if there have been any changes or improvements. The total duration of your participation will depend on the length of the physiotherapy program and follow-up checks, which will be explained to you in detail.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department for Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, University Hospital MünsterVerified postcodeMünster, Germany
Common questions
What is hEDS?
hEDS, or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, is a condition that makes your joints more flexible than usual and can cause pain and other symptoms.
What is TMD?
TMD stands for temporomandibular dysfunction, which refers to pain or problems with your jaw joints and the muscles around them.
Will I have to travel for this study?
Yes, you will need to attend appointments for examinations and physiotherapy as part of the study.
Is this a new type of physiotherapy?
The study aims to look at the effects of a specific, defined physiotherapy programme to see if it helps people with hEDS and jaw pain.
What if I feel worse during the study?
You can withdraw from the study at any time if you feel it's not right for you or if your condition worsens.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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