Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Patient Education, Self-management and Physiotherapy for Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders

This study looks into the best way to manage ongoing jaw pain, also known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). We're comparing two approaches: a program focused on education and exercises you can do at home, and the usual physiotherapy, which includes hands-on treatment and supervised exercises. The main goal is to find out if the simpler home-based program can ease your jaw pain and help you function better in daily life, just as effectively as the more intensive standard physiotherapy. This research aims to improve understanding of effective treatments for adults aged 18 to 65 who have experienced jaw pain for at least three months.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Enrolment target

Start

16 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)Chronic Pain

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help people who have long-lasting jaw pain, a condition often called Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD. If you've been living with jaw pain for at least three months, you know how much it can affect your daily life.

The main idea behind this research is to compare two different ways of managing this pain. One approach involves teaching you about your condition and giving you exercises to do at home. The other is what we call 'usual treatment,' which is a more hands-on type of physiotherapy that often includes sessions with a therapist and supervised exercises.

Researchers want to see if the simpler home-based education and exercise program can be just as good at reducing your pain and helping you get back to your usual activities as the more intensive, hands-on physiotherapy. By comparing these two methods, we hope to find clearer guidance on the best ways to help people living with ongoing jaw pain feel better and move more freely.

Key takeaways

This study compares home exercises with standard physiotherapy for jaw pain.
It aims to find out which treatment works best for long-lasting jaw pain.
Adults aged 18-65 with jaw pain for at least 3 months are needed.
Participation involves 3 visits over 16 weeks and questionnaires.
You'll learn about your condition and possibly receive exercises or hands-on therapy.
Taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 18 and 65 years old who have been experiencing jaw pain for at least three months. Your jaw pain should also be at a certain level, not just a very mild ache.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you've had jaw surgery before, experienced a recent head or jaw injury, or are currently having dental treatment, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if you have certain health conditions like a history of problems affecting joints (rheumatologic condition) or severe mental health conditions like serious anxiety or depression, you unfortunately wouldn't be able to participate.

It's important to talk to your doctor or the study team if you're interested, as they can check all the details to see if this study is right for you.

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 between 18 and 65 years old?
Have you had jaw pain for at least 3 months?
Is your jaw pain more than just a very mild ache?
Have you NOT had recent jaw surgery or a recent head/jaw injury?
Are you NOT currently having dental treatment?
Do you NOT have a serious anxiety, depression, or a rheumatologic condition?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to attend three appointments at the study clinic: one at the very beginning, a second one after six weeks, and a final one after 16 weeks. These visits will involve assessments to understand your jaw pain and how it affects your daily life. A ruler will be used to measure how wide you can open your mouth without pain, maximally, and with assistance at each visit.

You'll be assigned to one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will have two sessions with a physiotherapist where you'll learn about your condition and get a personalised set of exercises to do at home. The other group will receive six usual physiotherapy sessions, which might include education, exercises, and 'hands-on' treatment from the therapist. There is no medication involved in this study.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires. These will cover things like your jaw pain, how well your jaw works, any other body pain you have, how much neck problems affect you, any habits like jaw clenching, how you think about your pain, any fear of moving, and your confidence in managing your pain. The total duration of your active participation, including treatments and follow-up, will be 16 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us understand better ways to treat ongoing jaw pain, potentially improving care for you and others in the future. You might also find that the treatment you receive, whether it's the home exercise program or usual physiotherapy, helps to reduce your pain and improve your daily activities. Potential risks are generally low, as the treatments are established approaches for TMD; however, as with any exercise or physical therapy, there's a small chance of temporary discomfort or your symptoms not improving. You are completely free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada

Common questions

What is TMD?

TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, which is a condition that causes pain in your jaw joint and the muscles around it.

How long will the study last for me?

If you join, your active participation, including treatments and follow-up, will last for 16 weeks.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

No, you will not have to pay to participate in this research study.

What kind of exercises will I do?

The exercises will focus on your jaw and may be taught to you by a physiotherapist or included in a home program, depending on which group you are in.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and it won't affect your medical care.