European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background:Patients of MPDS present with varying degrees of unilateral facial pain, masticatory muscle tenderness, joint crepitation and limitation of mandibular movement. The present study was conducted to assess role of physiotherapy in diagnosis and treatment of the Myofascial Pain Dysfunction syndrome. Materials & Methods: 80 patients with Myofascial Pain Dysfunction syndrome of both genders were divided into 2 groups of 40 each. Group I patients were treated with passive movement and group II with relaxation. Resisted static contraction for opening, closing, protrusion and lateral movement were performed on all patients by instructing the patient to attempt these movements against the resistance of the operator's hand so that temporomandibular joint movement is minimal. This test is positive if pain was reproduced in the muscle being statically contracted. The masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoid were palpated bilaterally on all patients at both the attachments and muscle bellies for assessment of tenderness. Results: In present study, out of 80 patients, males were 35 and females were 45. Resisted static contractions showed pain in 12% and no pain in 82%, on palpation, 30% had pain and 70 % had no and on EMG, spasm was present in 20% and no spasm in 80%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Symptom-free or occasional pain was seen in 65% in group I and 76% in group II. Little or no improvement was seen in 35% in group I and 24% in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Physiotherapy found to be effective in management and treatment of patients with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.

Background:TMD are musculoskeletal disorders characterized by tenderness, pain,
limitations in mandible movements, headache, and clicking within the joint. The present
study was conducted to assess awareness level of dentists about role of physiotherapy in
diagnosis of TMJ disorders.
Materials & Methods:560 dentists of both genders were enrolled. A questionnaire related
to thegeneral knowledge, role of physiotherapy in management of TMDs was recorded.
Results: There were 380 males and 200 females. Year of experience was 0-5 years in 115,
5-10 years in 145, 10-20 years in 120 and >20 years in 180 dentists. There were 150
General dentist, 130 endodontist, 70 prosthodontists, 8-0 periodontist and 40 oral surgeons.
The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Treatment methods for TMDs was splint/occlusal
guard in 56%, braces in 24%, medication in 15% and other in 5%. Dentists’ referral to
other professionals was physiotherapist in 50%, oral medicine in 23%, psychologist in
10%, orthodontist in 7%, speech therapist in 8% and other in 2%. Causes of referral to PT
was masticatory muscle tenderness in 40%, neck postural alteration in 30%, headache in
20% and neck pain in 10%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Most of the dentists has limited knowledge about role of physiotherapy in
diagnosis of TMJ disorders

Introduction: Besides the little governmental financial support and the few scattered clinical settings of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) in Egypt, there is no continuous education and/or involvement of the Egyptian physiotherapists (EPs) in the field of CVR. This cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the barriers preventing the proper implementation of EPs in the CVR program/team. Methods:Throughout 13 Egyptian cities, a soft copy of a questionnaire - developed by authors - was sent to 330 EPs who were at least in contact with cardiac patients in the different Egyptian hospitals.Results: Out of 281 respondents, 85.9 % were not familiar with the meaning and presence of an accredited CVR program from the European Society of Cardiology in Egypt, 72.9 % didn't worked before in CVR, 49.8% justified the non-engagement of EPs in CVR programs due to the disqualified and/or disvalued role of physiotherapy when compared with the medical one, and 87% recommended the need for more  education and training to be involved in the CVR team. Conclusion: Urgent institutional and organizational strategies are critically needed in the Egyptian field of physiotherapyto enhance the role of EPs in the CVR team via theoretical and practical educational programs/courses under the supervision of local and/or international experts.