THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF MOTION IN THE REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH MANDIBULAR HYPOMOBILITY - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The orthopedic literature has clearly demonstrated that the physical s timulus of motion is essential for the maintenance of the structural a nd functional integrity of synovial joints. As a result of this inform ation, rehabilitation with passive motion has become an extremely impo rtant part of the rehabilitation of synovial joints throughout the bod y, especially when there is limited range of motion. This same biologi cal principle must be applied to the temporomandibular joint, especial ly when there is limitation in mandibular mobility. The effects of lim ited joint mobility, as well as passive motion, on the articular and e xtra-articular components of synovial joints is reviewed in detail. Th e clinical application of these principles in the management of tempor omandibular disorders is emphasized.