Chronic pain treatment in Edmonton Headaches can interfere with daily […]
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction is a common condition affecting many individuals in Edmonton. The TMJ connects your jaw to your skull and is responsible for the smooth movement of your mouth. When it becomes dysfunctional, it can cause pain, limited jaw movement, headaches, and discomfort in the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain exercises can help manage and alleviate the symptoms of TMJ dysfunctionality, promoting better jaw health and function. In this blog, we’ll explore nine physiotherapy exercises that can help you manage jaw pain caused by TMJ treatment in Edmonton.
TMJ dysfunctionality refers to a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint, which can result in pain, difficulty moving the jaw, and other related symptoms. People with TMJ dysfunctionality often experience pain in the jaw, face, neck, and even the shoulders. It can result from several factors, including stress, jaw injury, teeth grinding, and misalignment of the jaw.
TMJ exercises are a key part of managing the symptoms of TMJ dysfunctionality. These exercises aim to strengthen the jaw muscles, improve jaw mobility, and reduce pain. Physiotherapists often recommend exercises as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help patients regain normal function and reduce discomfort. The goal is to improve the alignment of the jaw and strengthen the surrounding muscles to alleviate tension and stress on the joint.
Start by placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper teeth. Slowly open and close your mouth in a relaxed manner. This helps to alleviate jaw tension and encourages relaxation in the surrounding muscles.
Sit or stand up straight. Gently tuck your chin towards your chest, keeping your jaw relaxed. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times. Chin tucks help align the head and neck, which can reduce strain on the TMJ.
Open your mouth slowly, as wide as you can, without causing pain. Hold it open for five seconds, and then slowly close your mouth. Repeat this five to ten times. This exercise strengthens the muscles around your jaw to support healthy jaw movement.
Place your thumb under your chin while pressing up gently. Try to open your mouth slowly while applying resistance with your thumb. This exercise targets the muscles responsible for controlling mouth movement and improving strength and range of motion.
With your mouth slightly open, slowly move your jaw to the left and then to the right. Hold each side for a few seconds before returning to the center. Repeat ten times on each side. This exercise helps to improve jaw mobility and alleviate stiffness.
Place your fist under your chin and push upward, resisting the force with your chin. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times. This exercise strengthens the jaw muscles and helps improve their coordination.
TMJ dysfunctionality is often linked to tension in the neck muscles. To relieve neck pain that may contribute to TMJ issues, try neck stretches. Gently tilt your head from side to side and forward and backward to stretch the muscles around your neck. Hold each position for 15 seconds.
Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth while gently opening and closing your mouth. This exercise helps to engage the muscles involved in jaw movements and can reduce strain on the TMJ.
Using your fingers, gently massage the muscles around your jaw, temples, and neck. Circular motions can help relieve tension and improve circulation in the affected areas. This exercise can also help reduce jaw stiffness and ease discomfort.
Physiotherapy is often an essential part of treating TMJ treatment in Edmonton. A physiotherapist can assess your jaw and identify any misalignments, muscle imbalances, or limitations in mobility. By creating a tailored plan of exercises, they can help you regain proper function and reduce pain. They may also provide manual therapy, posture correction, and guidance on self-care practices to support your recovery.
While results can vary from person to person, physiotherapy exercises for TMJ dysfunctionality are generally effective for improving jaw mobility, reducing pain, and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Many individuals experience significant improvement in their symptoms with consistent practice and guidance from a qualified physiotherapist.
If you’re experiencing TMJ treatment in Edmonton, it’s beneficial to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. Consult with us to guide you and monitor your progress as you work toward reducing pain and improving jaw function.