Did you know that muscular tightness can be the cause of TMJ pain? I had a client who came with jaw pain and had hard time opening the mouth but had no clicking. After thorough assessment, the client was advised about good posture, muscle relaxation techniques and stretching exercises. The client reported significant gains after one session after following some simple techniques.
What is TMJ?
TMJ, short form for temporomandibular joint, connects your lower jaw to your skull, and disorders affecting this joint, and its surrounding muscles can lead to discomfort and interfere with daily activities.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Symptoms can vary but often include:
– Jaw pain or tenderness
– Reduced jaw mobility
– Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
– Ear pain or ringing
– Headaches or migraines
– Facial pain or swelling
– Toothache or sensitivity
These symptoms may fluctuate and can worsen due to stress, cold weather, or certain activities like teeth clenching.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
While pinpointing exact causes is challenging, potential contributors encompass:
– Jaw injury or trauma
– Jaw arthritis
– Jaw muscle tightness
– Teeth grinding or clenching
– Teeth misalignment
– Bad posture
– Stress, anxiety, or depression
Physiotherapy for TMJ Disorders
Physiotherapy is a key component of TMJ disorder management at Belmont Physiotherapy and Health Clinic. After a thorough assessment that includes history taking, posture assessment, ROM assessment of neck and jaw, and manual glides of neck and TMJ, your physiotherapist will explain your treatment plans which will include:
- Posture advice
- Pain management techniques
- Mobilization
- Soft tissue release therapy
- Dry needling/IMS/Acupuncture
- Modalities like LASER and ultrasound
3 techniques how physiotherapy can help you in TMJ pain:
- Look at your posture.
Bad posture effects not only your neck and spine but also your TMJ. So, sit relaxed and look at your posture. Your head should be gently tucked in, and tongue should be resting on upper palate.
- Relaxation exercises
It might be hard to believe but muscle tightness caused by improper posture and stress can also lead to TMJ pain. Diaphragmatic breathing can help you to relax chest muscles.
Lie down in comfortable position. Put one hand on your tummy and close your eyes. When you breathe in, stomach should rise and on exhaling, stomach should go in. Do it for 4-5 times. Exhale time should be slightly more than inhale time.
- Moist heat pack
Wrap heat pack around your neck that covers your neck and jaw for 15 minutes and perform relaxed breathing to ease. To schedule an appointment, call us at 604-427-2172 or visit our website at www.belmontphysio.ca. Take the first step towards improved health and well-being with our dedicated team.