Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. This joint is involved in our everyday lives, for example, eating, talking, and breathing. When there is an injury or repeated stress applied to this joint, however, pain can occur. This is a temporomandibular joint dysfunction(TMD)

  • Causes of Jaw Pain

    The exact cause of a person’s TMD is often difficult to determine. However, your pain may be due to a result of many problems, such as:

    • Arthritis
    • Bad posture
    • Injury to the jaw and surrounding muscles
    • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
    • What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
    • Some symptoms that occur from TMJ for example are:
    • Pain in your jaw, neck, shoulders, or around your ear
    • Limited ability to open your mouth wide
    • Pain while chewing
    • Headache
    • Locking of the jaw joint
    • Clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth
    • Swelling on the side of your face
  • Benefits of Physiotherapy

    In other words, the focus of physiotherapy for TMD is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles. A treatment plan will also include instruction on exercises and stretches for regaining normal jaw function. A variety of therapeutic techniques will be used such as:


    • Manual therapy techniques to improve jaw movement
    • Electrical stimulation and/or laser to reduce pain and discomfort
    • Heat and Ice therapy for improved circulation and reduction of swelling
    • Postural correction and strengthening
    • Passive, active-assisted, active exercises
  • Signs Its Time To See A Doctor

    To clarify you should seek medical attention if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw. More importantly, if you have difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Your physiotherapist can assist in discussing possible causes and treatment plans to address your problem.

FAQs

  • How is TMJ Dysfunction diagnosed at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab?

      Diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction involves a detailed assessment by our highly trained and experienced therapists. They employ a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination of the head, neck, face, and jaw, and a series of specific tests to accurately diagnose the condition. The assessment enables us to understand the severity and cause of the condition and to provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Book your appointment today either at our Central Parkway or Dundas locations.

  • What type of treatment options are available for TMJ Dysfunction at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab?

    At Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, we provide various treatment options depending on your situation and severity of TMJ Dysfunction. These can include physical therapy, medication, or jaw exercises, aimed at decreasing pain, increasing jaw mobility, and improving function. Our therapists will develop a specialized treatment plan focusing on pain management, improved jaw function, and preventative strategies to avoid a recurrence. Start your journey to recovery at our Central Parkway or Dundas locations.

  • How long does it take to see improvements in TMJ Dysfunction with physiotherapy?

    The duration for improvement can vary based on the severity of the TMJ Dysfunction and individual response to treatment. Generally, patients may begin to see improvements within a few weeks of starting their tailored physiotherapy treatment plan. Our experienced therapists at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab are committed to providing the highest standard of care to ensure optimal recovery. Make a booking today at our Central Parkway or Dundas locations for a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.