Objective: To investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on pain intensity and maximal mouth opening (MMO) in patients with myogenous TMD.
Methods: Ninety-one patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group L (aromatherapy massage with lavender oil, test), group P (massage with sweet almond oil, placebo), and group C (control). Participants were evaluated at T0 (before the intervention), T1 (immediately after the intervention), and T2 (2-month follow-up). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results: For T1 and T2, group L showed the greatest MMO values (48.01 ± 0.85 mm; 45.67 ± 0.84 mm), while group C exhibited the lowest values (39.13 ± 0.49 mm; 39.66 ± 0.82 mm) (p < 0.001). For VAS, group L revealed the lowest pain values at T1 (2) and T2 (2) (p < 0.001).
Discussion: Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil was effective in the management of painful TMD conditions and limited mouth opening.
Keywords: Aromatherapy; lavender oil; massage; pain; plant oils; temporomandibular joint disorders.