TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, clicking, or difficulty in movement. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option to relieve pain, restore jaw function, and prevent further issues.
Physiotherapy Approaches for TMJ Treatment
- Manual Therapy
- Joint Mobilisation: Gentle movement techniques to improve TMJ mobility.
- Soft Tissue Release: Massage and myofascial release techniques to reduce muscle tightness.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Pressing specific muscle points to relieve pain and tension.
- Exercises for TMJ
- Controlled Jaw Opening: Improves jaw mobility and reduces strain.
- Resisted Jaw Movements: Strengthens weak jaw muscles.
- Chin Tucks: Enhances neck posture, reducing stress on the TMJ.
- Stretching Exercises: Eases muscle tension in the jaw and neck.
- Postural Correction
- Poor posture (e.g., forward head posture) increases TMJ stress.
- Strengthening neck and upper back muscles can improve alignment and reduce TMJ strain.
- Ultrasound Therapy & Electrical Stimulation
- Reduces inflammation, pain, and muscle tightness.
- Lifestyle & Habit Modification
- Avoid clenching/grinding teeth (bruxism).
- Use relaxation techniques to manage stress.
- Maintain a soft diet to reduce jaw strain.
- When to See a Physiotherapist?
- Persistent jaw pain or stiffness.
- Clicking or popping sounds with movement.
- Limited jaw mobility.
- Frequent headaches or neck pain related to TMJ dysfunction.
Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive, effective way to manage TMJ disorders, often in conjunction with dental treatments if needed.