TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction in Edmonton

Restore Mobility of Oral Joints or TMJ Dysfunction in Edmonton With Physiotherapy by Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre

Are you experiencing sore jaw, headaches, earaches, and facial pain? Then you might be suffering from TMJ dysfunction, a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, causing discomfort and restricting movement. If you’re in need of specialized care, TMJ dysfunction in Edmonton can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. It is essential to seek professional help to manage and treat these symptoms. At Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre, our certified physiotherapists specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders with effective techniques and personalized treatment plans. Don’t let the pain interfere with your daily life. Consult with us today to regain comfort, mobility, and improved quality of life.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It can result from trauma, an improper bite, arthritis, or wear & tear. The temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of your face. These joints connect the lower jawbone to the skull and help in movements such as chewing and speaking.

In cases of TMJ dysfunction, such as TMJ dysfunction in Edmonton, the muscles and ligaments around the jaw joints become inflamed or irritated. The condition may be acute or chronic, and the pain can range from mild to severe.

Major causes of TMJ Dysfunction in Edmonton

• Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)
• Dislocation of the disc located between the ball and socket joint
• Arthritis in the TMJ
• Stress
• Acute trauma
• Improper bite

Some common symptoms of TMJ Disorders are

• Jaw Pain
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Pain in the neck or shoulder
• Trouble moving the joint
• Trouble chewing
• Tooth pain
• Swelling on the face

How can we help you combat TMJ Dysfunctionality

A registered physiotherapist can help your condition by teaching you relaxation, stretching, and strengthening exercises for the face, head, and neck muscles. These exercises further help to augment the effect of the mouthguard your dentist might have recommended.

The physiotherapy for TMJ dysfunction in Edmonton includes a plethora of procedures and modalities like jaw exercise, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.

Manual hands-on therapy targeting the jaws shows significant improvements in terms of reduction of cervicogenic headaches and neck pain. Physiotherapists can also recommend consultation with dentists (myofascial techniques), particularly splinting. Splinting can help keep your jaws aligned in position, which would again help in the reduction of pain and inflammation.

The physical therapy for TMJ dysfunction in Edmonton can also involve certain therapeutic modalities such as heat or ice therapy, electric stimulation, and ultrasound, which can effectively reduce pain and inflammation.

Exercises recommended by physiotherapists at Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre will help strengthen the muscles around the jaw joint and can eventually reduce swelling and pain, helping to manage TMJ dysfunction in Edmonton effectively.

Some of the jaw exercises for treating TMJ Dysfunction are

• Forward jaw movement: Gently push your lower jaw forward, hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times for better mobility.
• Side-to-side jaw movements: Move your jaw from side to side slowly, maintaining control and avoiding pain. Perform this exercise for improved range of motion.
• Chin tucks: Sit upright and tuck your chin gently toward your chest. Hold for a few seconds and repeat to strengthen neck muscles.
• Goldfish exercises (full & partial opening of the mouth): Gently open your mouth halfway or fully, hold briefly, then close. Repeat for improved jaw flexibility and strength.
• Relaxed jaw exercise: Gently open your mouth, then relax your jaw, allowing it to rest naturally. Repeat to release tension and promote relaxation.

The benefits of Physiotherapy in treating TMJ Dysfunction are

• Pain Reduction: Pain reduction therapies can lead to significant relief, offering a natural alternative to medication, enhancing comfort and well-being.
• Improved Joint Mobility: Enhanced joint mobility allows for smoother, pain-free movement, improving flexibility, range of motion, and overall physical function.
• Improved Function: Better function ensures greater independence in daily activities, promoting strength, stability, and coordination for a more active lifestyle.
• Reduced Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory treatments can help lower swelling and redness, improving healing and alleviating discomfort, contributing to better recovery outcomes.
• Prevent Further Damage: Preventing further damage involves strengthening joints, tissues, and muscles, helping to protect them from ongoing wear and injury.
• Better Quality of Life: An improved quality of life results from pain relief, increased mobility, and reduced inflammation, leading to a more fulfilling, enjoyable existence.
• Reduce the Usage of Medicines and Invasive Surgeries: Reducing reliance on medication and invasive procedures allows for a more holistic, long-term approach to healing, promoting healthier alternatives.