TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction Can Be Difficult to Live With – PT Can Help

Are You Ready to Find Relief for Your Jaw Pain?

Do you have difficulty chewing or yawning? Are you suffering from jaw pain? Do you hear clicking noises when you open or close your mouth? If so, you may have TMJ dysfunction.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ dysfunction, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles.

The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. If there is an injury to this joint or it becomes damaged in any way, TMJ dysfunction may develop.

The temporomandibular joint is a complex and important structure composed of bones, tendons, and muscles that may cause you to feel pain on one or both sides of the jaw. In addition, this can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.

Could you be living with TMJ dysfunction? Book an appointment with ProActive Physiotherapy to find relief with physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy relief and TMJ dysfunction

In some cases, home remedies can be used to treat TMJ dysfunction. Some people respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Applying ice packs directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. You may also find temporary relief through sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender.

When home remedies don’t work at providing long-term relief, medical intervention may be necessary. Stronger muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain.

A jaw specialist may also use a dental splint to keep teeth properly aligned and prevent tooth grinding. Other types of medical treatment include trigger point acupuncture, joint replacement, or a TMJ arthroscopy.

However, if you want to avoid taking pain-relieving medication and use a more holistic approach, physiotherapy is perhaps one of the most effective treatments for TMJ dysfunction.

At your initial appointment with ProActive Physiotherapy, a comprehensive evaluation will be done on your neck, shoulder girdle, and thoracic spine to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. Afterward, one of our dedicated Edmonton, AB physiotherapists will create a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs.

Our physiotherapist will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas surrounding your neck and head. The goal of physiotherapy is to restore your normal function and the interaction of the jaw muscles and joints.

Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of methods and modalities, including jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.

I think I may have TMJ dysfunction – how can I tell?

Symptoms of this TMJ dysfunction include pain in the jaw, jaw popping, headaches, sore jaw muscles, locking of the jaw, pain in the temple, and earaches.

There are many reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but some common causes include misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or a jaw injury.

There is no single method or surefire way of diagnosing TMJ dysfunction.

If you believe you may be suffering from this condition, a medical professional will analyze your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your physician may also send you to an otolaryngologist or a dentist specializing in jaw disorders.

The idea is to rule out other medical problems before diagnosing the patient with TMJ dysfunction, as the symptoms may also be due to a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes.

Once your diagnosis has been determined, you will be treated based on the nature of your symptoms.

Your Questions about TMD and Orofacial Pain Management Answered

How do you treat TMD?

The range of treatments varies depending on the severity of your case and may include but are not limited to nerve stimulation, frequency or laser treatment, hydrotherapy, ice therapy, massage, acupuncture, IMS, exercise therapy, and myofascial release.

TMD… TMJ… what’s the difference?

TMD is the term that references jaw pain. When we say TMJ, we are talking about pain that only affects the jaw joint. TMJ is, therefore, a symptom of TMD.

Can TMD cause tinnitus?

Tinnitus is that annoying ringing in your ears that just won’t go away. Tinnitus is caused by several factors, and TMD could be one of them.

What is your cross-referral process for TMD patients in Edmonton?

Dentists and doctors may refer patients to us as part of a complete treatment plan for TMD, and we may refer our patients to doctors, dentists, or specialists. The ultimate goal is to restore the health of our patients, and sometimes that takes several different medical professionals. We invite dentists and doctors to contact us to learn how we treat TMD, and how we can be an optimal fit with your services.

How many appointments will I need to cure my TMD?

Treatment time will vary depending on each case, but we expedite the process by providing some easy at-home exercise. During your treatment we recommend sleeping on your back, avoiding gum, focusing on relaxing your jaw (no clenching) and eating soft food or food that has been cut up into very small pieces.

How do I get the best Jaw Pain Physiotherapy in South Edmonton?

Our advanced physiotherapy clinic in South Edmonton has the experience and equipment to treat your TMD. With direct billing and a network of referral services, we have what you need to get you talking and eating again without pain. Contact us now or use our easy online booking process to get started.

Find relief for TMJ dysfunction today

If you are in Edmonton, AB suffering from the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, book an appointment at ProActive Physiotherapy.

Our physiotherapists are patient-centric and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms.

Don’t suffer from jaw pain and stiffness any longer!