Effect of treatment with HVES on pain and electromyography activity in patients with TMD.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of HVES on pain and electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles in TMD patients, as well as assess the effect of this treatment on the severity of TMD. Methods: Participated in this study 12 women with TMD that underwent electromyographic exam of the masticatory muscles, and responded to the FAI, RDC/TMD and VAS. Results: After treatment, by the VAS a significant reduction in the intensity of pain it was verified; in the EMG that at rest and during isometric contraction of the mandibular depressor muscles there was a significant reduction in the RMS values; in voluntary contraction during maximal intercuspidation, a significant increase was observed in the values of RMS for the MD and ME muscles. Conclusion: HVES reduced the severity of TMD and the intensity of pain, and made the masticatory muscles approach their normal electromyographic pattern.