Are you experiencing jaw pain or discomfort? You may suffer from TMJ pain. You might have looked into physiotherapy after trying several different therapies in an attempt to find relief. Physiotherapy can be a useful treatment for TMJ dysfunction by reducing discomfort and enhancing jaw movement and function. We'll look at the advantages of physiotherapy for those with TMJ disorders in this blog post.
So, what exactly is TMJ disorder?
A condition known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joint that joins the jawbone and skull. This may result in soreness and discomfort, trouble chewing or speaking, and a popping or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth. Some people also experience other associated symptoms.
Symptoms
Pain or tenderness at TMJ junction/jaw/neck
Difficulty with chewing and speaking
Clicking or popping sound with opening and closing of the jaw
Headaches
Neck pain/discomfort
Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Treatment
One can start by applying an ice pack at the TMJ junction for around 10 minutes, repeating this 3-4 times a day. This will help manage the pain and inflammation. Additionally, avoid chewing hard food, consume soft food until the pain settles down, and avoid jaw movements that may aggravate your pain.
If self-care measures are not providing any relief, the next step would be to consult a physiotherapist for further evaluation and treatment.
How can physiotherapy help?
1. Reduce pain and inflammation
Pain relief is one of the primary advantages of physical therapy. After understanding the cause of your discomfort, your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan. This could involve posture correction methods along with jaw stretching activities. Icing is an essential step to help with your pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Manual therapy and modalities
Myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and other manual therapy methods can help reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility in the jaw and neck. Your physiotherapist may use gentle pressure to massage particular regions of your neck and jaw to reduce stress and improve joint range of motion.
Therapeutic ultrasound, Interferential Current Therapy, TENS therapy, and laser have also proven effective in research to help with pain relief.
3. Jaw mobility exercises
These exercises can lessen pain and increase joint mobility, such as:
Jaw-opening and closing movements
Jaw side-to-side movements
Chin retractions/tucks
Your therapist will ask you to perform these movements 5-10 times/day, depending on your pain levels.
4. Stretches for your neck and jaw
Your physiotherapist might also recommend stretches for the muscles in and around your neck. These stretches can help relieve tension and improve joint mobility. Examples of stretches include:
Sternocleidomastoid stretch
Scalene stretch
Trapezius stretch
5. Splinting/mouth guards
Splinting helps maintain a comfortable position for the jaw, which helps lessen discomfort and inflammation. Similarly, mouthguards can be provided by your dentist to help with pain and discomfort.
For those with TMJ disorders, physiotherapy is a crucial component of the therapeutic regimen. Regaining your jaw’s complete range of motion and minimizing or eliminating any pain or discomfort you may be feeling are the two main objectives of physical therapy. Never hesitate to approach your doctor about using physiotherapy as part of your treatment plan if you have a TMJ condition.
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