Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles that control jaw movement. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull and works like a sliding hinge, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. When this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones doesn’t work properly, it can lead to pain and dysfunction that significantly impacts your quality of life.
TMJ Pain Physiotherapy
Pain or clicking in the jaw, difficulty chewing, and headaches may all be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. At Allied Physiotherapy, we provide specialized TMJ physiotherapy to reduce pain, improve jaw mobility, and ease muscle tension. Our treatment includes gentle manual therapy, relaxation techniques, and corrective exercises to restore natural jaw movement and relieve pressure on the joint.
Causes of TMJ Pain
TMJ disorders can develop for various reasons:
- Jaw Injury: Trauma, Sport or ICBC related injury to the TMJ
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding teeth, often during sleep
- Arthritis: Degenerative joint disease affecting the TMJ
- Jaw Misalignment: Structural problems with the bite or jaw positioning
- Stress and Tension: Causing muscle tightness in the jaw and face
- Poor Posture: Forward head posture placing strain on facial and neck muscles
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions affecting joint function
- Disc Problems: Displacement or deterioration of the cushioning disc in the joint
- Habitual Behaviors: Excessive gum chewing, nail biting, or cheek biting
- Prolonged Dental Work: Having to keep your jaw open for extended periods of time
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can present with a variety of symptoms:
- Pain: In the jaw joint, face, ears, neck, shoulders, or around the temples
- Clicking or Popping: Sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth
- Jaw Locking: Temporary inability to open or close the jaw
- Headaches: Often resembling tension headaches or migraines
- Ear Symptoms: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), ear pain, or a feeling of fullness
- Facial Muscle Fatigue: Tired feeling in the face after eating or talking
- Uneven Bite: Feeling that the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly
- Dizziness: Balance issues related to inner ear proximity
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping due to pain or discomfort
When should I see a Physiotherapist?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, our best rated TMJ Physiotherapists can help!
- Persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw
- Pain while chewing
- Inability to fully open or close your mouth
- Jaw locking in an open or closed position
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds that cause pain
- Difficulty eating due to jaw problems
- Facial pain that interferes with daily activities
- Symptoms that don’t improve with self-care measures
- Headaches that don’t respond to usual treatments
- TMJ symptoms following a workplace (WSBC), ICBC, sports or other impact related injury
How Physiotherapy Helps TMJ Disorders
Our specialized and top rated TMJ Physiotherapists use evidence-based approaches to treat TMJ disorders:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We evaluate your jaw function, movement patterns, posture, and related muscle systems to identify contributing factors.
- Pain Management: Using electrotherapy (laser, ultrasound) and IMS/Acupuncture techniques to reduce pain and inflammation in the TMJ and surrounding tissues.
- Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques (joint mobilization & massage) to improve joint mobility, release muscle tension, and restore normal function.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Specific exercises to strengthen and coordinate the muscles that control jaw movement.
- Posture Training: Correction of head, neck, and shoulder posture to reduce strain on the TMJ.
- Relaxation Techniques: Training in stress management and relaxation to reduce muscle tension.
- Ergonomic Advice: Education on the optimal working positions and work-stations to limit stress on the spine and TMJ
- Behavior Modification: Guidance on avoiding habits that stress the TMJ, such as teeth clenching and nail biting.
- Home Exercise Program: A personalized plan of customized exercises and self-management strategies to advance your progress between physiotherapy sessions.
Preventing TMJ Disorders and Pain
Consider these strategies to reduce your risk of TMJ problems:
- Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce jaw tension
- Avoid extreme jaw movements: Limit wide yawning, loud singing, or prolonged chewing
- Maintain good posture: Keep your head in a neutral position to reduce strain
- Increase Spinal Stability: Strengthen the neck and back muscles to improve spinal alignment and decrease stress on the jaw
- Use proper chewing habits: Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Avoid hard or chewy foods: Minimize foods that require excessive jaw force
- Limit gum chewing: Reduce or eliminate this repetitive movement
- Be aware of clenching: Practice keeping your teeth slightly apart with lips closed
- Use ergonomic work setups: Prevent forward head posture while working
- Consider a night guard: If you grind your teeth at night (consult with your dentist)
- Maintain regular dental care: Address bite problems or missing teeth
Why Choose one of our Top-Rated Physio Clinics for TMJ Pain?
Our Allied Physiotherapy Clinics offer specialized care for TMJ disorders with a multidimensional approach that addresses not just your symptoms but the underlying causes of your condition. Our best rated TMJ Physiotherapists have advanced training in Orofacial pain and TMJ dysfunction and work closely with other healthcare providers when needed.
We understand that TMJ disorders can significantly impact many aspects of life—from eating and speaking to sleeping and concentrating. Our personalized treatment plans are designed to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle factors, with the goal of restoring comfortable jaw function and improving your overall quality of life.
Book Your TMJ Appointment Today
Don’t let TMJ pain and dysfunction limit your daily activities and enjoyment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment & comprehensive TMJ assessment to begin your journey to pain relief.
