Comparative Efficacy of Therapeutic Ultrasound and Nirgundi Oil Phonophoresis on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: An Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is one of the most chronic common musculoskeletal disorders causing pain and disability. Nirgundi oil, an herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory properties has proved its role in alleviating pain and various health disorders. Phonophoresis (PH) by conventional pharmacological management in persistent conditions can lead to side effects, and hence, for this reason, alternative medicine is gaining importance. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound with PH using nirgundi oil in TMD. Subject and Methods: Thirty patients with mild-to-severe TMD who were part of the research study were assigned at random to one of two groups. Group 1 (n = 15) received therapeutic ultrasound treatment using ultrasound gel without any therapeutic component, while Group 2 (n = 15) received therapeutic ultrasound using herbal nirgundi oil. A visual analog scale was used to measure the amount of discomfort before and after treatment. Necessary statistical analysis using Normality tests, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, and Shapiro–Wilks’s test was performed. Results: PH with nirgundi oil resulted in a statistically significant higher reduction in pain (P < 0.005) and increased mouth opening (P < 0.005). Conclusion: PH using nirgundi oil can be an effective therapy for persistent pain in TMDs.