Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a complex clinical condition that affects the functionality of the jaw joint and associated muscles, while affecting functions such as speech, chewing and swallowing, breathing and voice. These disorders are the result of several factors; the anatomical structure of the jaw, muscle dysfunction, behavioral patterns, psychological and social factors, etc., which classifies them as disorders with a biopsychosocial etiology. Therefore, a need arises for an interdisciplinary and individualized approach to diagnostics and therapy.
The master's thesis presents an overview of anatomy with physiology, etiology, classifications of disorders, prevalence with incidence and comorbidity of TMDs, clinical assessment, diagnostics and therapeutic approaches. The role of the speech-language pathologist in the course treatment of TMD is explained in more detail, with an emphasis on the necessity of including the speech-language pathologist in the interdisciplinary team as well as the contribution of speech therapy in TMD that result in or cause problems with speech, chewing and swallowing, breathing and voice. In order to gain insight into the situation in the Slovenian context, we conducted a study involving four centers across Slovenia that employ professionals working with TMD. The theoretical analysis was mainly of recent foreign literature, and the analytical-review, compilation and descriptive methods were used in the literature review, which allowed us to gain a systematic insight into the current state of the art in this field.
The main findings show that the role of a speech-language pathologist in the treatment of TMDs is indispensable, as speech therapy with evidence-based practice approaches contributes to the improvement of the muscle balance of the orofacial area, the optimization of speech, chewing and swallowing, breathing and voice functions, the reduction of pain and tension symptoms, and the support of interdisciplinary treatment and prevention of recurring problems. The work establishes that the need for cooperation between professions in the implementation of a biopsychosocial approach is of key importance for successful treatment, and that the therapy plan must be individualized. The research results have also established that a need between other professionals, such as physiotherapists and dentists in Slovenia, exists for cooperation with speech-language pathologists, but this is currently not being implemented due to the financial and personnel constraints.
The master's thesis seeks to highlight the importance of the role and contribution of speech-language pathologists to the treatment of TMD as well as provide grounds for the need to place them in the interdisciplinary team. The need for further research in this area and the importance of future findings are highlighted in order to provide patients with a comprehensive treatment depending on the nature of their problems. The thesis aims to contribute to our and other professions' insight into the importance of cooperation, optimization of therapeutic strategies and mutual sharing of knowledge, and encourages primarily domestic, but also international speech-language pathologists to research and strive to be involved in various fields of work, where this profession can play a key role in supporting individuals’ functioning and quality of life.
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