What is Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction?
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction is inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw bone to the skull, causing pain and impaired function.
The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, and can be affected by a range of problems. Patients with a TMJ disorder often suffer from recurring headaches
or chronic pain.
Our specialised physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio focus on promoting recovery and restoring physical function of the head, neck and jaw.
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction can occur for no particular reason or be a part of a more complex problem. There is usually more than one factor involved. Factors that may cause TMJ dysfunction include:
- Trauma such as a motor accident
- Cross bite
- Stress / nervous habits
- Clenching and grinding of teeth
- Muscle imbalances
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis
- Posture
Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction
If you suspect you have TMJ dysfunction, your GP will conduct a thorough physical examination to confirm a diagnosis. Your GP may refer you to a neurologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist for further examination if necessary.
Above: TMJ is an unbrella term to describe pain and discomfort of the muscles that surround the jaw.For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or to book yourself an appointment, please email us at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077
What are the symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction?
Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction may include:
- Pain radiating from the temples, neck and ears
- Clicking, locking or popping of the jaw
- Severe recurring headaches
- Occasional hearing loss
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Sensitive teeth
- Restricted opening of the jaw
- Dizziness or ringing of the ears
What would a physiotherapy assessment for Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction involve?
In your first appointment at Liverpool Physio, your assessment would be divided into the following two sections:
Subjective
A discussion to find out the cause of your injury, how long they have been persisting, if you have had any previous injuries in this area, what symptoms you are experiencing and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
A physical assessment of your range of pain, tenderness in the area, range of movement and a series of special tests to identify exactly which structures you are likely to have injured.
What would physiotherapy treatment for Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction involve?
At Liverpool Physio, we have specialist physiotherapists who are experienced at assessing and treating people with TMJ dysfunction.
Physiotherapy treatment at Liverpool Physio will help reduce your pain and restore normal range of movement and success with functional activities including eating, talking and sleeping.
Physiotherapy treatment varies from simple advice to extensive therapy. An initial assessment with one of our specialised physiotherapists will see how your current problem is affecting your everyday activities, and a personalised treatment program will be developed which may include:
- Prescribing exercises to relieve pain and stiffness and improve muscle strength
- Electrotherapy treatments including ultrasound and TENS to generate heat and deep tissue stimulation to promote healing and pain relief
- Ergonomic adaptations in your home and workplace.
- Acupuncture
- Manipulations
- Stress management
Your treatment program at Liverpool Physio will be structured around your goals, to ensure that you get back to everyday activities as soon as possible and make a full recovery. For more information about how physiotherapy can help you or to book an appointment please call 0151 558 0077 .
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction?
If you are experiencing pain localised to the neck, jaw and temple area along with a stiff or clicking jaw you may be suffering with temporomandibular Joint dysfunction and would benefit from seeing one of our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio. We can help treat your symptoms with a combination of pain relief and mobilisation techniques as part of a tailored rehabilitation exercise programme that will targeted to your personal recovery goals.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
Summary
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can be very painful and the location of pain and symptoms can impair your ability to talk and eat comfortably. All the symptoms, including the frequent reoccurring headaches, can be addressed by your physiotherapist as part of a targeted rehabilitation programme.
Treatment with one of our experienced physiotherapists may include mobilisation exercises, acupuncture and joint manipulation. Throughout the treatment sessions the focus will be on achieving the best possible, pain free, return to functional activities. So you can confidently return to the normal tasks of daily living.
For more information on how Physiotherapy can help treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or to book yourself an appointment, please email us at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or ring us on 0151 558 0077
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