09 Apr How does a physiotherapist treat TMJ?
What is TMJ
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is the pain and compromised movement of the jaw. TMJ is typically caused by injury to the teeth or jaw, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, poor posture, stress, arthritis, and gum chewing. This is a common ailment, estimated to affect 30% of Australian adults at some point in their life. TMJ affects women twice as much as men, and is the most common non-dental related chronic facial pain. It is treatable by a physiotherapist, but you may be wondering ‘how does a physiotherapist treat TMJ’?
Firstly, let’s discuss the symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed below, it’s possible that you are currently suffering from TMJ as you read this.
- Pain in or around the ear
- Headaches and neck aches
- Tenderness of the jaw or jaw muscles
- Jaw pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon
- Jaw pain when chewing, biting or yawning
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth
- Sensitive teeth when no other dental problems can be found
Acute TMJ symptoms may last a few days or a few weeks, and typically resolve after treatment.
What does a typical physiotherapy appointment look like for the treatment of TMJ?
If you have some or all of the symptoms listed above, you may have TMJ, and should book an appointment for assessment and treatment.
Your appointment will begin with an assessment, of which there are two types: subjective and objective.
Subjective assessment will involve discussion and questions to gain a history of your condition and the problem from your perspective.
The subjective assessment discussion and questioning will cover:
- Onset/Cause
- Pain
- Chewing issues
- Noises – click, grinding
- Locking (+/-)
Objective examination will involve a physical assessment to gain information/evidence of what you have stated you are experiencing.
- Involves Feeling (Palpation) of the face/cheek/jaw and neck area
- Observing movement of the mouth/jaw
- Assessing range and quality of motion e.g. any clicking/locking/crepitus (Roughness in movement) or deviations in patterns of movement.
- Therapist will need to palpate (examine) inside the mouth.
How does a physiotherapist treat TMJ?
While over the counter pain relievers may be used to ease the pain from TMJ, a tailored plan for management of the problem is recommended. Treatment may include mobilisation, massage and stretches for the jaw and neck areas and modalities such as laser, ultrasound or dry needling may also be utilized.
You may also be recommended an exercise program for ongoing prevention and pain relief.
After your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will treat the joint dysfunction in clinic, and then will likely prescribe an exercise program and follow-up consultation.