Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and its treatment in physiotherapy
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain is a condition that affects many people and can compromise both functionality and quality of life. The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull, and any dysfunction in this joint can lead to significant pain and discomfort. At Fisitania Physiotherapy, we offer advanced treatments to relieve TMJ pain and restore jaw function to our patients, using manual therapeutic approaches and specialized technologies.
Main causes of TMJ pain
Temporomandibular joint pain can be the result of a variety of factors. The most common causes include:
- Muscle strains: The muscles that control jaw movement may be overloaded due to stress, anxiety, or habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Dental or jaw misalignment: Disorders in the alignment of the teeth or jaw can affect TMJ function.
- Injuries or trauma: Accidents, blows, or falls that directly affect the jaw or head can lead to TMJ dysfunction.
- Bite problems: Alterations in the bite, such as malocclusion, can generate excessive pressure on the TMJ.
- Joint diseases: Disorders such as arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and pain.
Common symptoms of TMJ pain
Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can vary, but the most common include:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, near the ear, and often radiating to the neck and shoulders.
- Difficulty or pain when opening the mouth or chewing.
- Clicking or ringing in the joint when moving the jaw.
- Frequent headaches, especially in the temporal area of the head.
- Tightness in the neck and jaw muscles.
- Ringing in the ears or a feeling of a blocked ear.
What can physical therapy do for TMJ pain treatment?
At Fisitania Physiotherapy, we approach TMJ pain with a comprehensive approach, tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Our thorough initial assessment allows us to identify the underlying causes of the dysfunction and design a personalized treatment plan to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve jaw function. We use a combination of manual techniques and advanced technology to get the best results.
Manual Therapy
- Joint mobilization and myofascial release to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Therapeutic massages to relieve pain and stiffness in the neck and jaw muscles.
Therapeutic Exercise
We design personalized programs to strengthen the masticatory muscles, improve muscle stretching and correct posture, preventing future TMJ pain.
Advanced technology
- Radiofrequency to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Super Inductive System (SIS) and shock waves to improve circulation, relieve contractures and stimulate tissue regeneration.
Benefits of physical therapy for TMJ treatment
Physical therapy treatment for TMJ at our clinic has multiple benefits:
- Pain reduction: Decreases muscle and joint pain, improving quality of life.
- Mobility restoration: Improves mouth opening and the ability to chew without pain.
- Prevention of future painful episodes: Through strengthening and stretching exercises, we reduce the risk of new TMJ problems.
- Stress and tension relief: Physical therapy techniques help reduce tension in the jaw and neck muscles, minimizing the impact of stress on the TMJ.
Why choose Physitania Clinic for TMJ treatment
At Fisitania Physiotherapy, we treat Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain in a personalized way, combining manual techniques and advanced appliances to offer a comprehensive approach that restores jaw function and relieves pain. If you suffer from TMJ problems, do not hesitate to contact us to receive a treatment adapted to your needs and improve your well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TMJ Joint and its Treatment
The time needed for TMJ treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the patient’s response to physical therapy. Generally, the first results can be noticed in a few sessions, but a complete treatment can last between 4 and 8 weeks, with regular sessions tailored to the needs of each patient.
Yes, in our clinic we provide exercises and recommendations so that you can continue with the treatment at home. Some common guidelines include:
- Avoid biting hard objects or chewing gum.
- Perform gentle stretching exercises for your jaw and neck.
- Apply heat or cold to the affected area to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and muscle tension.
Yes, TMJ disorders are often related to tension headaches or migraines. Muscle tension in the jaw and neck muscles can radiate into the head, causing aches or pains. Proper TMJ treatment can significantly reduce these headaches.
At Fisitania Physiotherapy, we offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating TMJ disorders. Our treatments include:
- Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension and improve jaw mobility.
- Personalized therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the jaw and neck.
- Myofascial release techniques to reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
- Super Inductive System (SIS): We use advanced technology to reduce pain and improve jaw muscle function.
- Relaxation and stress management techniques: We help control the emotional factors that can aggravate the symptoms.
TMJ treatment in our clinic is usually not painful. While some manual therapy techniques or exercises may lead to slight discomfort at first, we always make sure that patients are comfortable throughout the process. The goal is to progressively reduce pain and improve jaw function.
Yes, in our clinic we provide exercises and recommendations so that you can continue with the treatment at home. Some common guidelines include:
- Avoid biting hard objects or chewing gum.
- Perform gentle stretching exercises for your jaw and neck.
- Apply heat or cold to the affected area to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and muscle tension.
Some strategies to prevent TMJ disorders include maintaining good posture, avoiding bruxism (teeth grinding), reducing stress through relaxation techniques, and avoiding habits that can overload the jaw, such as chewing on hard objects. If you experience frequent pain or discomfort in your jaw, it is advisable to consult a specialized physiotherapist to prevent the problem from worsening.