What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is more commonly known as the jaw. Disorders of the TMJ typically present with pain on opening and closing the jaw for example while biting or chewing food. People can present with a clicking jaw if they open it or move it, as well as pain when palpating the jaw all the way up to the ear. It can commonly present with trauma to the area, neck and postural problems and also a significant history of headaches.
How Temporomanibular Disorders happen.
The TMJ is an articulation between the mandible and the temporal bone. Between those two bones there is a disc that has a big nerve and blood supply as well as a number of muscles that attach at the joint which play a big role in the resting position of your jaw. Trauma to the area such as a head knock or whiplash can result in inflammation of these structures and potential fractures. Muscle spasms, poor cervical postures, hyper mobility and arthritis can also contribute to or be the source of a painful clicking jaw.
What can Get Active do to treat Temporomandibular Disorders?
• A thorough assessment to establish the direct source of your pain
• Soft tissue massage to release tight muscles including the muscles involved in mastication as well as the neck
• Joint mobilization to counteract stiffness in the TMJ and the cervical spine
• Specific exercises to stretch and strenghthen. For TMJ disorders it is particularly important to have proper alignment of the jaw and control of the muscles around it for it to function properly. We would also provide the appropriate exercises to improve posture as it is directly correlated with TMJ disorders
Suitable Products Sold at our Clinics:
• Posture Pro
If you have any questions or would like to book in to see one of our physiotheripists, please do not hesitate to contact Get Active on 1300 8 9 10 11 or email us at admin@getactivephysio.com.au
