Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial joint with articular disc which functions for chewing, grinding, swallowing and has a role in delivery of speech. TMJ dysfunction is the musculoskeletal condition involving spontaneous pain during mandibular movements, clenching along with limitation of mouth opening, lateral deviation, difficulty in chewing and altered chewing pattern causing a significant disability with some other symptoms including referred pain in head and neck [[1], [2], [3]].

The prevalence of TMJ dysfunction increases globally throughout adolescence and may vary from 7 % to 30 % with the more common appearance in females as compared to males. A study by Goncalves et al. [4] and Lim et al. [5] found that 10 %–30 % adults are affected with most common age group between 20 and 40 years of age. It was reported in a study in 2021 that TMJ dysfunction prevalence for adults was 31 % and for adolescents and children it was reported to be 11.3 % [6]. There are several underlying factors causing the dysfunction including altered joint kinematics, muscle over activity, articular disc displacement, inflammation or overuse. The muscle over activity was because of abnormal activation over period or due to the fascial restrictions as many studies have reported the tenderness in masticatory muscle if the Sternocleidomastoid fascia was involved [[7], [8], [9]]. The over activity of muscle has an underlying pathology which results due to the abnormal disc displacement which causes lateral pterygoid to overwork and hence laterally deviate the mandible. The temporalis and masseter as elevators of the mandible work against gravity and hence in case of repetitive movements and abnormal activation result in tightness and pain [10,11].

The lateral pterygoid, masseter and temporalis have been commonly found to be affected and tight in the TMJ dysfunction patients of myofascial origin. These muscles when overactive cause the pathomechanical symptoms of the TMJ [[12], [13], [14]].

This abnormal recruitment can be reduced or corrected using various therapeutic techniques which have been researched in literature, mainly involving multidisciplinary approach including occlusal splinting, physiotherapy based protocols, medications and many other options. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy technique involving soft tissue manipulation methods which involves accurately initiating and controlling the patient's muscle contraction whether isometric or isotonic to improve the muscular function and hence the musculoskeletal pain [14,15]. There are two methods, i.e., Postisometric relaxation (PIR) and Reciprocal inhibition (RI) that are used for muscle relaxation [17]. However, scanty evidence is available regarding the effectiveness of MET for TMJ dysfunction patients. Previous reviews have systematically examined the effectiveness of various manual therapy approaches, such as movement with mobilization (MWM), massage, and other therapeutic interventions for TMJ dysfunction [13,16]. However, the specific impact of MET on key clinical outcomes like pain intensity and mouth opening remains inconclusive. This gap in the literature underscores the need for a focused evaluation of MET's effectiveness. Therefore, this review aims to bridge this evidence gap by critically assessing the role of MET in managing TMJ dysfunction, providing clarity on its therapeutic potential.