TMJ Treatment: How Physios Resolve Your Pain and Headaches
Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Health, up to 12% of people suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often leading to persistent pain and headaches?
If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how physiotherapists can help you find relief.
Physiotherapists use a combination of manual therapy techniques, specific exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to target the root causes of TMJ issues.
Keep reading to learn about these treatments and how they can improve your condition long-term.
TemporoMandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
TMJ disorders, affecting the temporomandibular joint connecting your jaw to your skull, often manifest as pain, restricted movement, and discomfort in daily activities. You might notice jaw pain, difficulty chewing, headaches, or even ear-related issues. These symptoms can greatly impact your quality of life, making it important to understand the condition and seek appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing TMJ disorders usually involves a thorough physical examination and potentially imaging tests. Your healthcare provider will check for tenderness, listen for clicks or pops in the joint, and assess the range of motion in your jaw. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, and physiotherapy is a cornerstone in managing these disorders.
Physiotherapy offers various techniques to relieve pain and improve jaw function. Tailored treatment plans often include jaw exercises to enhance mobility, dry needling to release muscle tension, massage, and myofascial release to alleviate discomfort. These evidence-based methods aim to reduce your symptoms and restore freedom in your daily activities and are discussed further in this blog.
Physios' Initial TMJ Assessment
Physiotherapists often start their evaluation by taking a detailed history of your symptoms and assessing the range of motion in your jaw to accurately diagnose TMJ issues.
They’ll inquire about the onset, duration, and characteristics of your jaw pain near the ear, as well as any associated headaches or other symptoms. This extensive history helps pinpoint the root causes of your TMJ discomfort.
During the physical examination, they’ll evaluate your jaw’s range of motion and listen for any clicking or popping sounds. They might also palpate the muscles around your jaw, neck, and shoulders to identify areas of tension or tenderness. This anatomical assessment is essential for developing an effective TMJ treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Here’s a quick overview of what the initial assessment might include:
| Evaluation Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
Symptom history | Identify triggers and patterns |
Range of motion | Assess jaw function |
Muscle Palpation | Detect tension and tenderness |
Manual TMJ Therapy Techniques
When dealing with TMJ pain, manual therapy techniques like joint mobilisation and muscle releases can greatly reduce discomfort and enhance jaw function. Physiotherapists use hands-on approaches to target specific areas of tension and dysfunction in your jaw and surrounding muscles. By applying controlled movements and pressure, they can help release tight muscles, improve joint alignment, and restore proper movement patterns.
Joint Mobiliation
Joint mobilisation, which involves gentle movements of your temporomandibular joint to improve its range of motion and reduce stiffness, is an effective technique. This can notably alleviate pain and enhance your jaw’s functionality.
Here is a great demonstration from Advanced Clinical Education of how an experienced TMJ Physio will mobilise your jaw in a typical TMJ consultation:
Muscle Release
Another important technique is muscle release, which focuses on easing tension in the muscles connected to your jaw. This not only reduces pain but also helps to prevent future issues by promoting better muscle function.
Here is a good demonstration from Niel Asher Education on one of the techniques an experienced TMJ Physio will use to release your jaw:
Your physiotherapist will tailor these manual therapy techniques to your individual needs, ensuring personalised care. Your physiotherapist will assess your specific condition and develop a treatment plan that targets your unique pain points. By addressing the root causes of your TMJ pain, these techniques offer a pathway to quick, effective relief, helping you regain comfort and freedom in your daily life.
Therapy Protocols for Exercising & Stretching
Alongside manual therapy techniques, incorporating specific exercise and stretching protocols can greatly strengthen jaw muscles and enhance flexibility, providing thorough relief from TMJ pain. Targeted exercises focus on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement.
For instance, gentle resistance exercises, such as opening and closing your mouth against slight pressure, can build muscle strength and support the joint.
Here is another easy to understand video tutorial from the Cleveland Clinc:
Stretching routines for your neck and shoulders also play an essential role. These stretches help release tension, improve posture, and indirectly alleviate TMJ discomfort.
For example, stretching the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles can reduce strain on your jaw, providing a holistic approach to pain management.
Please watch this great tutorial from Keith Clinic Videos to see this valuable stretching exercise in practice:
Consistency is key. Regularly performing these exercises and stretches can lead to significant long-term improvements. Your physiotherapist will tailor a personalised plan based on your specific condition and needs, ensuring that you target the right muscles and achieve the best results.
Stick to this regimen, and over time, you’ll notice a marked decrease in pain and an increase in jaw mobility.
Advice on Lifestyle & Ergonomics for TMJ Syndrome
Adopting a lifestyle and making ergonomic adjustments can greatly reduce stress on your jaw joint and alleviate TMJ pain. Follow these tips to improve your TMJ issues:
- Reduce unnecessary tension on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by improving your posture.
- Ensure your workspace is ergonomically sound: keep your computer screen at eye level and use a chair that supports your lower back. This alignment reduces strain on your neck and jaw.
- At night, use a supportive pillow that maintains your neck's natural curvature. This can prevent overnight clenching and reduce morning headaches.
- Stress management is also essential—techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can help relax your jaw muscles.
- Avoid chewing gum and brittle foods that require excessive jaw movement.
- Opt for softer foods, especially during flare-ups.
- Regular breaks during repetitive activities, like talking or chewing, can prevent overuse of the jaw muscles.
Physiotherapists offer tailored advice to fit your specific needs, ensuring that your daily activities support jaw health.
When to Seek Professional Help for Jaw Pain
If you’re experiencing persistent jaw discomfort, headaches, or clicking and locking of the jaw, seeking professional assistance from a physiotherapist is vital to prevent long-term complications and enhance your quality of life.
Timely intervention is important to avoid worsening your symptoms and effectively address underlying issues. Physiotherapists utilize their knowledge of the temporomandibular joint and related structures to evaluate and treat TMJ disorders.
Here are three key signs you should look for in physiotherapy for TMJ concerns:
Arranging an initial consultation with a TMJ specialist physiotherapist will ensure you receive a customised treatment plan tailored to your individual requirements, aiding in your recovery of comfort and functionality.
Summing It All Up...
Now you have explored the holistic approach physiotherapists take to ease TMJ pain and headaches. You can also experience relief firsthand when you experience it for yourself.
With evidence-based techniques, a TMJ physio will realign your jaw, relax your muscles, and guide you through exercises that bring lasting change.
It’s more than just pain relief; it’s reclaiming your quality of life.
Take control today, get the help you need to fix your TMJ once and for all by booking in online or call (03) 4821 5023 to see one of our experienced TMJ physiotherapists.
Rosanna Physiotherapy TMJ Jaw Pain Clinic
Rosanna Physio has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs since 1989. We have the experience and education to effectively treat any muscle or joint injury that requires expert physical therapy care.
Jaw Pain Health Article References:
We used the following sources to write this article, please feel free to read through them if you’d like a greater level of detail and understanding:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-exercises
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
- https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2014.4847
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/tmj-headache-5212571
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tmj
