The jaw isn’t somewhere that many would consider the right kind of body part to benefit from physiotherapy. Most would presume that a dentist should be the professional dealing with jaw-related problems, however, the muscles that make up the jaw can also be treated using physiotherapy.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is that hinge-like area of your jaws that you’ll be able to feel just in front of your ears. These hinges help you to eat, speak, yawn and even play instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is quite a broad way to explain a whole host of problems related to the jaw. These can include, but are not limited to:
Your TMJ is so close to your brain, neck and ears that it could cause a host of issues like tinnitus, headaches, neck pain and even earache.
Believe it or not, but physio is an effective treatment for people that are suffering from painful TMD. Exercises can be used to improve the function and movement of your TMJ and to bring down pain and swelling.
If you go for jaw physio, you should expect to do exercises that help to correct your posture, manual therapy like stretching and massages and jaw movement exercises. You might also encounter ultrasound treatments, injections and relaxation exercises.
Keep in mind that because your TMJ is a big part of both your jaw and mouth, that your physio might get in touch with a dentist or orthodontist to work alongside him/her while they come up with your customised treatment plan.
Is there a way to prevent TMD? While there’s nothing you can do to completely prevent getting TMD through an accident or other trauma, it’s always a good idea to be aware of how you hold your jaw and to relax if you are clenching. Always try to improve your overall posture and try to cut your food into smaller pieces. Where possible, try and stick to soft foods rather than hard, chewy food that will make your jaw work harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although there is still a lot that we don’t understand about TMD, there is definitely a direct correlation between TMD and the following causes:
Our team look forward to working with you to help achieve your goals
