Changes in masticatory mechanosensitivity, mouth opening and head posture after intervention with a myofascial induction protocol

MYOFASCIAL INDUCTION PROTOCOL The protocol began with an induction technique in the deep fascia of the temporal region. The subject was placed supine and the therapist sat at the head of the table. The therapist places one of her hands on the temporal muscle and the other one at the zygomatic arch. Maintaining this position, the cranial hand exerts a slight pressure in cranial direction and the caudal hand does the same in caudal direction. After reaching the relaxation of the tissue (about 4 minutes of time), the caudal hand moves toward the chest respecting any soft tissue restrictions during this advance. The technique was applied bilaterally (first in the dominant side and then in the non-dominant side of the body). Then, it was performed a myofascial technique in the masseter muscle. Remaining at the therapist-patient position, the therapist places one hand at the zygomatic arch and the other one just below, performing a cranial traction with her cranial hand and a caudal traction with the other hand. The technique lasts approximately 4 minutes. Having performed this maneuver in both sides, the protocol was completed with the masster muscle induction in a transverse direction. For this, the therapist places three fingers on the insertion of the muscle in both zygomatic arches and sustained pressure is applied to the midline of the face. The whole protocol lasted approximately 20 minutes and involved only a single session