Effects of dry needling and kinesio taping in temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized trial

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INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of dry needling and kinesio taping on pain intensity, mandibular range of motion, sleep quality, and depression levels in patients diagnosed with myogenous temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). METHODS: Ninety patients with TMD were included in this two-center randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (dry needling), Group B (kinesio taping), and Group C (control-conservative recommendations). Interventions were applied over 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures included the visual analog scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and mandibular mobility assessment. RESULTS: Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction, increased mandibular range of motion, and improved sleep quality (p<0.05). The dry needling group showed superior outcomes compared to the other groups. While both the dry needling and kinesio taping groups showed within-group improvements in depression scores, between-group differences were not statistically significant (p=0.464), and lateral mandibular movements did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSION: Dry needling and kinesio taping are effective, safe, and clinically feasible interventions for the management of TMD. Dry needling, in particular, appears more effective in reducing pain and improving function. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating conservative physical therapy approaches within multidisciplinary TMD treatment protocols.