
Jaw Physiotherapy (TMJ)
Jaw Physiotherapy (TMJ)
Your Temporomandibular Joint, or TMJ, is the most used joint articulation in the body. Your TMJs (jaw joints) are involved with eating, talking, breathing and even yawning. When there is a problem with or pain in your TMJ, it is known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
> Pain and tenderness of the jaw or face
> Aching pain in and around the ear
> Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
> Pressure and pain behind the eyes
> Headaches or migraines
> Locking of the jaw
> Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Physiotherapy can be extremely useful in identifying and treating the causes of your TMD. We look at the body and the person as a whole, as posture, lifestyle and life stressors can all have an impact on your pain. Treatment can include:
> Pain and tenderness of the jaw or face
> Aching pain in and around the ear
> Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
> Pressure and pain behind the eyes
> Headaches or migraines
> Locking of the jaw
> Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
Physiotherapy can be extremely useful in identifying and treating the causes of your TMD. We look at the body and the person as a whole, as posture, lifestyle and life stressors can all have an impact on your pain. Treatment can include:
- TMJ joint mobilisation
- TMJ movement patterns and motor control training
- TMJ ROM, stabilisation and postural correction exercises
- Posture improvement and neck treatment
- Relaxation exercises
- Muscle stretching
- Soft tissue releases to muscles
- Dry needling
- Referral on to a dentist for splinting if appropriate