It then describes how physical therapy can help manage symptoms of TMJ over the long term.
What Is TMJ?
This is especially true when you chew hard food.
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What Causes TMJ?
TMJ is poorly understood, and there is no consistent profile among people who experience TMJ symptoms.
Females are affected four times more than males.
Genetics may play a part as some families have a history of TMJ.
TMJ is thought to involve multiple factors that, together, contribute to jaw pain and restriction.
These may include:
How Is TMJ Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing joint pain in your jaw, you should visit your dentist or healthcare provider.
They can determine the cause of your pain and can properly diagnose your condition.
Diagnosis of TMJ is made largely by clinical examination.
Your healthcare provider will also examine your jaw’srange of motion, looking for any deviations in movement.
If your healthcare provider rules out TMJ, there may be other causes of your jaw pain.
These may include:
Once a diagnosis of TMJ is made, you’re free to begin treatment.
Working with a physical therapist may be an option for you.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Many of these are “hands-on” procedures and some can self-administered.
Your dentist or healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a PT qualified to treat TMJ.
Do not hesitate to ask for qualifications.
Cryotherapy can be done at home with a cold compress or a bag of frozen peas.
To further prevent frostbite, place a kitchen towel between the compresses and your skin.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment sometimes used for TMJ to improve joint mobility.
Doing so can relieve pain and loosen tight muscles.
Soft Tissue Release
Your PT may use various massage techniques to treat TMJ pain.
In people with TMJ, it can help relocate a displaced articular disc.
Other mobilizations are performed on the outside of the jaw, exerting lateral (side-to-side) pressure.
These manipulations are performed with gloves on.
PT Exercises
Jaw exercises are arguably the most important part of a TMJ treatment program.
The goal of these exercises is to restore normal, pain-free jaw motion.
Examples of TMJ exercises include:
Other exercises employ the mobilization techniques used by your PT.
To correct this, your PT may show you how to maintain proper posture.
Postural control techniques include:
How Is TMJ Prevented?
You should also wear a mouthguard and protective headgear during contact sports.
Heat or cold app and stress relief techniques can also help.
American Academy of Orofacial Pain.Orofacial pain specialty.
National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research.Prevalence of TMJD and its signs and symptoms.
2020;16(1):36-48. doi: 10.12965/jer.2040034.017
