Peloid (therapeutic mud) treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
The Effect of Peloid Therapy on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
This study will try applying peloid (therapeutic mud) to the jaw and chewing muscles for two weeks to see if it reduces pain and improves jaw function in adults with temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Uşak University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Uşak, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07576582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, single-group interventional study delivering local peloid therapy to the temporomandibular joint region and masticatory muscles for 20 minutes per session, five days per week over two weeks. Adults meeting DC/TMD criteria with at least four weeks of TMJ-related pain and baseline pain ≥3/10 will be enrolled, and those with prior TMJ surgery, active infection, systemic inflammatory disease, pregnancy, or skin conditions preventing application are excluded. Outcomes measured at baseline and at end of treatment include Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8, visual analog scale for pain, Fonseca index, maximum mouth opening, and secondary otalgia assessment. The protocol aims to provide standardized, short-course local thermotherapy data where prospective evidence for peloid use in TMJ dysfunction is limited.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with a DC/TMD diagnosis, TMJ-related pain for at least four weeks, baseline pain ≥3/10, and ability to attend daily treatments and provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior TMJ surgery, active infection or acute inflammation, systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease, pregnancy, open wounds or dermatitis at the application site, or recent injection/regular physical therapy for TMJ are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this could offer a noninvasive, low-cost option to reduce TMJ pain, improve jaw function, and potentially relieve referred ear pain.
How similar studies have performed: Small trials and balneotherapy reports suggest mud/peloid treatments can help musculoskeletal pain, but prospective data specific to temporomandibular joint dysfunction are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Uşak, Merkez
- Uşak University Faculty of Medicine — Uşak, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Faruk Kadri Bakkal, MD, Asistant Professor
- Email: fkbakkal@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 276 224 00 00
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.