*3.3.1 Differential diagnosis*


*Temporomandibular Joint Pain DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104842*

## **3.4 Ultrasound**

TMD is one of the most common causes of pain in the mouth and face, affecting millions of people. It often leads to chronic pain that lasts for years. The physiotherapy management of TMJ joints includes massage, exercise and modalities. Modalities mainly the TENS and ULTRASOUND have proven to reduce pain and other symptoms of the TMJ joint disorders [14].

However, the prognosis of the treatment is relatively slow in relieving pain for patients. Ultrasound (US) has been used for treating temporomandibular joint Osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) and hypoxia-induced chondrocytes damage in TMDs.

The ultrasound mechanical vibration is transmitted into the body as highfrequency acoustic pressure waves. These waves will mechanically stimulate living tissues, resulting in tissue healing. The ultrasound will promote cell proliferation and the synthesis of extracellular matrix in fibroblasts and myoblasts, which eventually reduces inflammation and promotes regeneration in various injured soft tissues [15].
