Impact of physiotherapy on orofacial manifestations of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Background: Physiotherapy appears as a promising therapy option for patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) [1, 2], but the effects of physiotherapy and jaw exercises on JIA-related orofacial symptoms remain unknown [3]. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to assess the impact of orofacial physiotherapy and home-exercise programs in patients with JIA and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement.

Methods: Twelve patients with JIA and TMJ involvement received a treatment of physiotherapy, complemented by prescribed home exercises spanning over eight weeks.