Physiotherapy East Sheen Treats TMJ Dysfunction
Physiotherapy East Sheen Treats
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) dysfunction is a common problem causing jaw pain and discomfort. A good TMJ physiotherapist will understand the complexity of the jaw joint and the entire facial musculature to ensure that treatment is effective, safe and specific to your needs.
TMD can affect many systems of the body including: circulatory, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, excretory, immune and skeletal. It can also impact head and neck posture and function which is why it is important to have a physiotherapist assess and treat the whole problem.
In most cases, people seeking help for TMD cannot pinpoint one specific incident that triggered the condition. Most describe that the symptoms came on slowly and became worse over time. This is because TMD can be caused by a combination of factors including:
TEETH – If your teeth are misaligned this puts excessive strain on the jaw joints. This can lead to a dislocation of the TMJ joint or the ligament that holds the jaw in place. GRINDING/CLENCHING – Most often patients who seek treatment for TMD will have a habit of clenching their teeth or grinding their jaw at night, this is called bruxism. It places a lot of stress on the jaw joints and can cause damage and inflammation. Eating habits can also cause TMD – chewing large or hard food or biting down on the same side of your mouth for prolonged periods of time can put excessive strain on your jaw joint.
Physiotherapy East Sheen Treats TMJ Dysfunction
Treatment options at Physiotherapy East Sheen include manual therapy techniques like soft tissue mobilisation, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and articulatory manipulation to improve joint mobility. Thermal modalities such as hot or cold packs can also be helpful to reduce inflammation and pain. Exercises to improve jaw and neck movement and posture are also beneficial in improving TMD. This may include active and passive neck and jaw exercises, chin tucks, and shoulder rotations.
Acupuncture is an excellent modality that can be used to treat TMD and the associated muscles. It can help with pain and muscle tightness by increasing circulation, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating the healing process of your TMJ.
TMD can have serious consequences for your quality of life, especially if you struggle with eating and talking. However, there is no need to live with TMD pain and if you find a great TMJ physiotherapist you can begin to regain your smile and the ability to speak and eat without discomfort.
At Physiotherapy East Sheen we have experienced TMJ physiotherapists who have a comprehensive approach to treating your TMD and improving your quality of life. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you reclaim your life from TMD! Our friendly team is here to help. Call us on 0207 183 8363 or contact us online for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon!