Jaw discomfort is the second most prevalent muscle joint complaint in the general population, yet many individuals are unaware that jaw physiotherapy may successfully cure it. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the facial joints situated just below the ears on each side of the head. These joints, which connect the jaw bone to the base of the skull, play an important role in a variety of tasks, including yawning, talking, making facial gestures, and chewing.

In addition, the TMJ is one of the body’s most active joints. Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers to TMJ issues that cause jaw pain. TMD is a painful and debilitating disorder that is difficult to treat. This post will discuss the symptoms and causes of TMJ, as well as how TMJ Physio Perth may cure jaw discomfort.

What Are the Signs of TMD?

Symptoms of TMD may vary from mild to severe. The following is a list of frequent symptoms that individuals encounter when they have TMJ dysfunction.

  • Dizziness
  • Muscle spasms at the angle of their jaw and on the side of their head
  • Discouraging clicking or popping
  • Jaw locking in an open posture
  • TMJ joint discomfort
  • Headaches

What Causes Temporomandibular Dysfunction?

There are several potential causes of TMJ discomfort. Normally, a patient will have just one of the disorders described below; however, there may be instances of overlap between several illnesses. A particularly qualified physiotherapist will be able to evaluate the influence of each of these elements via a detailed evaluation.

  • Wear and strain of cartilage in the joint (osteoarthritis).
  • Traumatic joint injury, such as a hit to the jaw or side of the head.
  • Chronic temporomandibular joint irritation caused by incorrect jaw posture or position.
  • Excessive jaw muscular activity, such as in individuals who habitually clench or grind their teeth (including those with bruxism).
  • Intervertebral disc dysfunction or displacement

How Is TMJ Diagnosed?

Your jaw physiotherapist, dentist, or oral medicine expert may identify problems with the temporomandibular joints. You may be sent for additional evaluation through a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray.

TMJ physio Perth is often highly successful since it is a mobility issue involving joints and muscles. TMJ physiotherapy for jaw pain is often beneficial in reducing symptoms within 3 months, although many patients experience relief within a few weeks or less.

Jaw Pain Treatment With TMJ Physio Perth

TMJ Physio Perth may be a very effective treatment for jaw discomfort and TMJ problems. TMJ physiotherapy for jaw discomfort may detect joint stiffness, muscular strain, and movement restrictions and give manual treatment to alleviate symptoms and restore jaw function.

A complete examination will be performed by a physiotherapist to check your jaw range of motion, muscular tension, and movement patterns. Your local physiotherapist will determine if the issue is one of opening or shutting.

TMJ opening problems include:

  • Muscle disorder
  • TMJ (joint) disorder: stiffness, arthritis or hypermobility
  • TMJ disc displacement disorder
  • Cervical spine position posture

TMJ closing problems include:

  • Joint instability or hypermobility
  • Muscle control issues
  • Occlusion issues.

TMJ Disorders and Pain: How Does Physiotherapy Help?

The following are some TMJ Physio Perth treatments for TMJ problems and discomfort.

Muscle Spasm Reduction

Physiotherapists are anatomical experts who know how to assess your TMJ muscles. We often discover that muscular spasms are inhibiting the TMJ from healing. Reducing muscular spasms using manual therapy techniques may help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, hence reducing pain.

Enhancing TMJ Mobility

If a patient is diagnosed with TMJ because of a stiff joint, the physiotherapist may use manual treatment approaches to restore joint function. They will then suggest specific stretches to help you maintain your increased range of motion between consultations.

Postural Training

For some persons suffering from TMJ discomfort, changing their forward head position makes a major improvement. To improve head posture, patients are taught how to strengthen postural muscles and lengthen contracted tissues. Your physiotherapist will also give you advice on how to set up your car, workstation, and other places where you spend countless hours sitting to promote better body posture.

Hypermobile Joint Stabilisation

Some people have an abnormally mobile or excessively mobile TMJ. Your physiotherapist will be able to recognise this condition and give treatment and workouts to improve weak muscles and enhance your natural movement pattern.

TMJ Dysfunction Pain Relief

When patients are in a great deal of pain and only need some relief so they can begin making the modifications stated earlier, a physiotherapist may use thermal modalities, acupuncture, and mild manual treatment.

A skilled Physiotherapist will thoroughly examine your specific TMJ issue and tailor the treatment strategy to the source of your symptoms.

Conclusion

The importance of TMJ physiotherapy in Perth cannot be overstated. The therapist provides not only the treatment but also a list of exercises that can be done at home to help alleviate symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

If you have been suffering from TMJ for more than a year and have made little progress, it is time to see a professional.