Bruxism and physiotherapy

The impetus to write this article came from the author's collaboration in drafting the S3 Guideline on Bruxism Diagnosis and Treatment (Register Number 083-027) as a representative of the German Central Association of Physiotherapists (ZVK). None of the physical therapy and bruxism-related studies found in the literature searches for guideline preparation provided scientific evidence as to whether any of the identified physical therapy approaches for bruxism were effective. Nevertheless, this article aims to give physiotherapists a practical concept, with guidance on how to recognize and assess the signs and symptoms of parafunctional activities in bruxers and on developing a treatment plan addressing their therapeutic consequences. Further topics discussed include the question of how temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and bruxism are related, the evaluation of treatment success, and factors influencing treatment outcome. Keywords: temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), bruxism, awake bruxism, relaxation, self-management, physical therapy