Physiotherapy For Jaw Pain and Face Pain in Armadale and Bentleigh East

More Than Physio provides Physiotherapy treatment for jaw pain and face pain to local areas of Armadale, Malvern, Toorak, Bentleigh East, Bentleigh and McKinnon.

JAW PAIN (TMJ DISORDER)

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporo-mandibular joint.  The temporo-mandibular (jaw joint) joint is formed by the mandible or jaw bone, joining with the temporal bone of the skull, just below and in front of the ear. You would have one temporo-mandibular joint on each side of your face.  Each joint has a cartilage disc inside keeping the temporal bones and the mandible bones apart from each other to protect them from creating wearing of the bone surfaces as well as to act as shock absorber for the joint. The jaw joint is surrounded by a capsule or envelope enclosing it. The jaw movement is driven by many muscles responsible for its different actions. The TMJ is opened and closed many 1000’s of times each day as we eat, speak, breathe and yawn and is thus the focal point of much activity and physical forces.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The TMJ or jaw is a common area that can become injured or sprained causing jaw pain or ache, face pain, ear pain, neck pain or headaches.  This commonly occurs due to clenching or grinding (bruxing) of the teeth due to stress.  Continual grinding and clenching causes spasm and pain in the muscles that close the jaw and may cause inflammation of other associated structures around the jaw joint.   TMJ problems can also be as a result of dental work where the mouth is stretched open for an extended period. This may lead to the disc being pulled out of place by one of the muscles (lateral pterygoid) that attach to it and result in a “clicky” jaw.
TMJ problems can also result from trauma such a punch to the jaw or face or impact from an accident. This can result in a fracture or dislocation of the jaw bone or damage to the cartilage disc inside the joint.

Who gets TMJ problems?

Jaw pain is common and occurs at any age. It is more usually experienced by individuals who have a high degree of stress and who clench and grind their teeth. Jaw pain is also often encountered in sports such as boxing where a higher incidence of blows to the face occurs.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Whilst the symptoms of Jaw Pain / TMJ disorder will vary, the following represent the most frequently noticed effects:

• Pain or ache in the jaw
• Tenderness of the jaw muscles
• Pain in the face
• Clicking, popping or grating noises in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
• Frequent headaches especially on waking in the morning
• Pain or difficulty in yawning, chewing or opening the mouth wide
• Pain or stiffness opening the mouth fully
• Ear pain / earache that often spreads to the face
• Neck pain
• Dizziness

Treatment for TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder / jaw pain is a condition that is commonly overlooked and generally inadequately managed due to a lack of awareness that effective specialized physiotherapy exists. Dentists usually manage TMJ disorder by the prescription of a mouth plate (splint) to protect the teeth from clenching and grinding and to help break the cycle of clenching.
In addition to mouth splints, specialized physiotherapy management of TMJ Disorder / Jaw pain is extremely effective.  Physiotherapy care initially consists of a through history, orthopedic, neurological and jaw &  neck examination to determine the exact location of your jaw pain or face pain. Diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, CT, and MRI scans may also be required to fully assess any damage.

Specialized physiotherapy TMJ treatment consists of initially reducing pain, inflammation and spasm in the structures around the jaw. This is performed by the physiotherapist working inside your mouth with a gloved hand. In addition to working directly on the jaw joint and associated structure, your physiotherapist will also asses and treat your upper neck which is intimately related to proper jaw function. Your physiotherapist will also assist you to improve things like sleeping and other postures which may be impacting on your jaw or face pain.  You will be given a tailored home exercise program to address issues in your jaw and neck function.

Your physiotherapist will also assist you with identifying any potential major issues which may be contributing to your stress levels or other factors provoking your jaw pain and can help make recommendations as to how you can address these.

Jaw pain responds very well to specialized physiotherapy treatment, with most people experiencing significant improvement within the first few treatments.
Don’t suffer in silence!  Call us NOW on 9500-8656 to experience rapid relief and lasting results for your jaw pain.