Oral physiotherapy- Non surgical approach for maxillofacial disorders: Old is Gold

Physiotherapy has been used to cure diseases of joints and muscles from times immemorial. It has also cured various diseases without inflicting mental trauma and the pain of undergoing surgery. This adjunctive therapeutic modality is one of the major parts of a comprehensive management program of patients with orofacial disorders. Therapeutic motion nourishes the joint without activating painful muscles. In orofacial region postoperative physiotherapy is recognized as essential for the prevention or treatment of TMJ hypomobility or ankylosis. People who are not able to speak clearly, having swallowing problems, or muscle weakness of the mouth may benefit by facial strengthening exercises. Oral-motor exercises is useful in the treatment of phonological disorders. Several physical therapies, including massage and facial exercises, are recommended to patients of Bells palsy. It is also helpful in treating conditions like Trismus,Oral submucous fibrosis, MPDS, Down’s syndrome and even oral cancer.