Determining masticatory muscle spasm and TMJ capsulitis.

Abstract

AbstractA diagnostic chart is established using ten diagnostic mandibular movements made under three different conditions: active, resisted, and passive movements. The chart is presented in order to provide the practitioner with a rapid method for evaluating the masticatory musculature for myospasm and the TMJ for capsulitis. This chart lists the primary contracting muscles for each of the motions. The method and its interpretation are outlined in detail. If the chart and its explanations are carefully utilized, the practitioner will be aided in discovering and correcting the cause(s) of the spasm and dysfunction.