Understanding and Treating TMJ Dysfunction at PhysioActive
What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is your jaw joint, located just in front of your inner ear, below your temple. It’s a critical part of your daily activities, whether you’re talking, yawning, eating, drinking, or chewing. Often, you may only become aware of this joint when it becomes painful, leading to what’s known as TMJ Dysfunction (TMD).
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ Dysfunction can arise from various issues, often linked to the disc in the joint moving out of place and putting pressure on sensitive structures. Early signs might include clicking before the onset of pain. Your dental specialist may even notice wear and tear on your teeth as an early indicator.
Other causes include:
- Clenching or grinding your teeth: This can happen both during the day and while you sleep.
- Poor posture: Strains or overuse of muscles in your face and neck due to poor posture can lead to TMJ Dysfunction.
- Inability to relax: Stress and tension can exacerbate the condition.
- Diet and sleep quality: A poor diet and lack of restful sleep can contribute to TMJ issues.
- Arthritis, fractures, or congenital alignment problems: These can also play a role.
- Injuries: Injuries to your face, head, or neck, such as concussions or motor vehicle accidents, can lead to TMJ Dysfunction.
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
The pain from TMJ Dysfunction varies greatly. It’s typically located just in front of your ears but can also be felt in your teeth, ears, head, jaw, and neck. This pain can be sharp, searing, catching, or dull and constant, and it can be extremely debilitating.
Other symptoms include:
- Ear pain or fullness
- Facial pain
- Sore, tight, or tender jaw muscles
- Pain in your temples, cheeks, teeth, or jaw when swallowing, yawning, talking, or chewing
- Jaw popping, clicking, or locking
- Reduced ability to fully open or close your mouth
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Muscle pain and spasms in your face, head, and neck
- Ringing in your ears
TMJ Treatment at PhysioActive: Osteopathy and Physiotherapy
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available. At PhysioActive, we take a unique multi-modal approach to help you find relief. Our highly trained physiotherapists will work with you on relaxation, stretching, and strengthening exercises for your face, head, and neck muscles. These exercises can complement the appliance or mouth guard your dentist may have provided. If needed, we can also recommend dental professionals with experience in treating TMJ Dysfunction.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for your jaw, head, and neck
- Postural correction, relaxation, and breathing exercises
- Manual stretches and mobilizations of your jaw and neck joints
- Pain-reducing modalities such as Laser, Ultrasound, and electrical stimulation
In many cases, your physiotherapist may recommend osteopathy or cranial osteopathic therapy. TMJ Dysfunction often benefits from these treatments as the cranium (the bones of your head and face) must be free of tension to function normally.
What to Expect from Treatment
At PhysioActive Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Centre, you will work directly with a registered physiotherapist who has specialized training in the assessment and treatment of TMJ Dysfunction. To achieve full and lasting results, your physiotherapist may also suggest osteopathy for the treatment of your cranium.
During your assessment, we will evaluate:
- Your unique jaw and neck movement patterns and alignment issues
- Muscle imbalances and tightness
- Any joint-related problems
We will also identify other contributing factors to increase the effectiveness of your therapy. If necessary, we will coordinate your care with other professionals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your treatment.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Following your assessment, your physiotherapist will create a specific, individualized exercise program tailored to your needs. You’ll continue to see your physiotherapist to monitor and progress your program, and to provide you with the hands-on therapy you may require.
We will also maintain open communication with your dentist or specialist to coordinate your treatment with their recommendations.
PhysioActive’s Tips for Protecting Your Jaw
To help manage and prevent TMJ Dysfunction, consider the following tips:
- Rest your muscles and joints by eating soft foods when in pain
- Avoid chewing gum or other objects, including your fingernails
- Keep your tongue touching the roof of your mouth at rest
- Avoid clenching or tensing the muscles of your jaw, face, and neck
- Use moist heat or ice to relax your jaw muscles when in pain
- Practice stress management techniques, relaxation, or deep breathing exercises
- Get plenty of good sleep
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Always follow the advice of your dentist or oral specialist, and use your appliance as prescribed. Our therapists have had great success working closely with dentists and orthodontists to provide comprehensive care.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re experiencing TMJ or jaw pain, don’t wait to seek help. To book an appointment with a physiotherapist or osteopath trained in the assessment and treatment of TMJ Dysfunction, please call (905) 695-0371. Let us help you find relief and restore your quality of life.
