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TMJ pain and Physiotherapy

TMJ physiotherapy can be highly effective in treating this condition, providing relief from jaw pain and improving functionality.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing us to chew, talk, and yawn.

TMJ dysfunction (TMD) occurs when the joint disk or surrounding muscles become irritated, leading to pain and restricted movement.  In moderate to severe cases, this can lead to jaw clicking as the disk starts moving abnormally. Other symptoms, such as headaches, and neck stiffness are also common.

Click HERE to learn more about why this can cause headaches.

The TMJ Disk
The temporomandibular joint

Causes of TMJ pain

  • Teeth grinding and clenching: Clenching and grinding due to stress or habitually, especially during sleep, is a major contributor to TMD.
  • Chewing habits: Overusing one side while chewing, excessive gum chewing, or consuming overly tough foods.
  • Dental Issues: Changes in chewing habits, teeth alignment, and other dental issues can cause irritation in the TMJ.
  • Medical History: Having previous history of jaw injuries, lockjaw, or subluxation from sports can predispose you to TMJ issues.

Physiotherapy Treatment for TMJ Pain

Physiotherapy is usually the first line of defense against TMJ issues. A comprehensive treatment protocol may include the following:

  1. Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques are used to restore pain-free movement and off-load the irritated TMJ disc.
  2. Jaw relaxation techniques: These exercises reduce tension in the chewing muscles.
  3. Dry needling: This helps address the tight and overactive jaw muscles, helping to alleviate pain.
  4. Strengthening exercises: These exercises correct muscle imbalances and improve jaw opening and closing movements.
  5. Jaw movement correction: TMJ changes the way your jaw moves. Specialized exercises can help restore neutral jaw movement.
  6. Neck and back treatment: Addressing joint restrictions in the neck and back can help correct jaw alignment and movement.

In Summary

TMJ dysfunction can cause significant pain and interfere with daily activities like eating and talking. Fortunately, physiotherapy for TMJ offers an effective solution.

We recommend having a comprehensive team of a specialized physiotherapist, dentist, and your family doctor to address the issue in the long term!

Our clinic director, Arjun Patel, has a special interest in TMJ issues and sees TMJ patients regularly. To learn more about him or to book an appointment, keep scrolling!

About the author

Arjun Patel, PT, MScPT, MCPA is an orthopedic, neuro, and vestibular physiotherapist. He is the director of Blue Space Clinic Physiotherapy and sees complex cases on a daily basis. He is also an adjunct lecturer at the faculty of medicine at University of Toronto.

To learn more about Arjun and our clinic, click here!

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Contact

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647-812-7454

Email

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Fax

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Saturday: 9 AM- 12 PM
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Suite 201, 621 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto. MK2 1B5

Near Bayview and Sheppard, 5 minute walk from Baview or Bessarion Station.

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