Local message with topical analgesic, a novel treatment modality for temporomandibular muscular pain, a case study report of 5 consecutive cases

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a group of painful conditions involving the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint. Ping On Ointment has been used in the Chinese Orthopedics as a soothing massage balm for muscular aches, strain and sprain. If topical application of the ointment can be effective for the treatment of TMD muscular pain, it may be the long-sought-after method for safe, simple, cheap, non-invasive, and effective treatment modality of TMD muscular pain. PURPOSE: This report documented a case study of the first five consecutive cases using this treatment modality. RESULTS: All cases resulted in complete remission of pain within one month of topical massage. CONCLUSION: This treatment method has high potential to benefit a significant number of people and randomized control trials should be performed.