Archives of Current Research International

Muscular temporomandibular disorders represent the most common subtype of orofacial pain conditions affecting the masticatory system, with myofascial pain accounting for the majority of presentations seen in dental and physiotherapy practice. Management of this condition has increasingly incorporated myofascial therapies, a heterogeneous group of manual and minimally invasive techniques that target taut bands, trigger points, and fascial restrictions within the masseter, temporalis, and associated cervical musculature. This review synthesises the current body of evidence on trigger point therapy, myofascial release, intraoral myofascial techniques, fascial manipulation, dry needling, trigger point injection, botulinum toxin, and adjunctive acupuncture and exercise interventions for muscular temporomandibular disorders. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published over the past fifteen years demonstrate that manual myofascial approaches produce clinically meaningful, though generally short-to-medium-term, improvements in pain intensity, maximal mouth opening, and pressure pain thresholds, with effect sizes broadly comparable to those achieved with occlusal splints and superior to no-treatment or placebo controls. Dry needling and manual therapy appear similarly effective when compared head to head, while botulinum toxin injection shows benefit primarily as an adjunct in refractory cases rather than as first-line monotherapy. Heterogeneity in outcome measurement, treatment dosage, and diagnostic criteria continues to limit direct comparison across studies, and long-term data beyond six months remain sparse. A biopsychosocial framework integrating myofascial techniques with patient education, self-management, and, where indicated, psychological therapy is supported by contemporary clinical guidance. This review outlines the pathophysiological rationale underpinning myofascial interventions, appraises the methodological quality of the supporting literature, and proposes directions for future research aimed at standardising protocols and clarifying mechanisms of action.