Comparative Study to Find the Effect of Rocabado Exercise Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Pain, Mobility and Function in Individuals with Myogenic Temporomandibular Dysfunction

Background: Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a common condition that affects mandible alignment and function, potentially leading to pain and disability during day-to-day activities. Exercise interventions such as Rocabado exercises and muscle energy techniques (METs) may help improve pain, range of motion and function. However, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the Rocabado exercise versus METs on pain, mobility and function in individuals with myogenic temporomandibular (TM) dysfunction. Methods: A total of 30 individuals were divided into two groups, labelled as Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 was treated with Rocabado exercises. Group 2 was treated with the MET. Pre and post intervention scores on the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) linear measurement technique and Fonseca’s questionnaire were taken as outcome measures to check for the pain, range of motion and mobility. analysis was performed by the use of Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 26. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, range of motion and function post-intervention ( P < .005 within groups). However, between-group comparisons showed that the Rocabado group had significantly greater improvements in pain ( P = .001), range of motion ( P = .001) and Fonseca’s questionnaire of functional disability compared to the MET group. This suggests that while both interventions were beneficial, Rocabado exercises were more effective in pain reduction, improving range of motion and function. Conclusion: Both Rocabado and MET techniques contribute to improvements in pain reduction, range of motion and function in individuals with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. However, Rocabado exercises provide greater benefits in pain reduction, improve range of motion and overall function of TMJ.