The purpose of this study was to document the treatment options and referral pathways used by Australian physiotherapists and dentists in the context of managing people with TMDs.
Prospective nationwide online questionnaires targeting Australian physiotherapists and dentists were created and validated. Australian physiotherapists and dentists were invited to participate in completing the online questionnaires via advertising through their respective professional associations and by utilising snowballing.
The questionnaire was completed by 78 respondents (51 physiotherapists and 27 dentists). Sixty of those respondents reported actively treating people with TMDs during the previous one year. The treatment options and techniques most frequently used by physiotherapists included manual therapy, exercises, electrophysical agents and advice and education. The treatment options most often used by dentists included advice and education, oral appliances, physical agents such as moist heat and medications. Most frequent referrals were made to dentists and physiotherapists with experience and/or expertise in managing people with TMDs and to general dentists.
Commonly used treatment options for the management of people with TMDs used by Australian physiotherapists and dentists were mostly conservative, reversible and evidence-based. This finding aligns with current international recommendations for the management of TMDs. Further responses are required to draw more substantive conclusions that are representative of Australian physiotherapists and dentists in the management of people with TMDs.
Future research could also investigate the reasons why respondents chose certain treatment options and/or referral pathways and the perceived effectiveness of each to better understand current practices of Australian physiotherapists and dentists who manage people with TMDs. Studies on the current practices of physiotherapists from an international perspective would also be beneficial to determine if Australian practices are reflective of those elsewhere in the world.
Documenting the management options used by physiotherapists and dentists may help guide the development of evidence informed curricula and educational resources. This may help highlight areas for improvement in the management of TMDs as well as provide general physiotherapists and dentists with appropriate options to facilitate the management and referral of people with TMDs. International comparisons can also be made where appropriate.
Physiotherapy
Australia
