It’s jaw-dropping information, but believe it!
We all know that physical therapists treat the musculoskeletal system - bones, joints and muscles. So that includes knees, backs, shoulders . . . and jaws? That’s right–many people seek out physical therapy for TMJ.
The Temporomandibular Joint, better known as TMJ, is the hinge joint immediately in front of the ear on each side that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. It is used constantly and consistently throughout the day. In fact, it is the most-used joint in your body!
The TMJ opens and closes the mouth, as well as slides back and forth. Think about it: every time you eat, talk, sing, yawn, gape, chew on something, kiss, set your jaw sternly, or just kind of idly move your mouth, you’re using your TMJ.
But unlike the knees or back, you don’t think of it as being a joint. And so it is a suprise when jaw pain sets in. But Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are very common, and can be debilitating. Jaw pain and PT for TMJ are as common as they are in any other part of your system. Luckily, there are TMJ treatments that provide jaw pain relief, so that you can go on singing, chewing, laughing, kissing, and everything else without any pain.
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Jaw Pain Causes and Symptoms
So why does lower jaw pain start? Well, there are a number of reasons. The one that we think of the most is grinding our teeth. It is true that it can cause jaw pain (and is terrible for your teeth), but there are other causes.
Periodontal diseases often lead to chronic jaw pain. Any head or mouth injury can impact the TMJ. Due to the proximity to and connection with the ears, sinus infections can have radiating impacts, resulting in jaw pain by the ear.
While it is uncommon, it is possible to develop arthritis of the TMJ. And a rare but still possible injury is a fracture to the actual articular disc. Displacement due to injury of this disc is more common.
There can be sudden jaw pain or chronic throbbing jaw pain. It shouldn’t be ignored. Regardless of cause, there are some common symptoms of TMDs. These include:
Pain and tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck, shoulders and ears when you move your jaw (especially when chewing or speaking)
Limited ability to open the mouth wide, or the joint locks in the open or closed position
Clicking or popping sounds
Tired feeling in the face
Jaw pain headaches
Dizziness
It’s possible that TMJ home treatment will work. But in some cases, physical therapy for TMJ, and even jaw surgery, are needed to find relief.
Tips for Jaw Pain Relief
For the temporary discomfort of TMD, here are some things that can help promote jaw pain relief:
Heat or ice
Eat soft foods
Medicate to reduce pain and swelling
Avoid excessive yawning and chewing
Avoid resting your chin on your hand
Keep your teeth apart to relieve pressure on the jaw
Improve posture
Learn relaxation techniques
Of course, these are just basic measures, and they might not provide long-term jaw pain treatment. For that, there is physical therapy.
What Can Physical Therapy for Jaw Pain Do?
When these basic treatment options prove unsuccessful, TMJ jaw physical therapy may be the answer!
To be sure, there are other more drastic measures, but for expense and quality of life, physical therapy for TMJ may prove the best course of treatment.. Instead of resorting to trigger point injections or surgery, patients can be treated by specially trained physical therapists who utilize soft tissue mobilization, massage, manual therapy, ultrasound, and electrostimulation modalities to relieve and correct the symptoms of TMD.
“I feel most patients appreciate a conservative approach . . . and a majority of them show improvement after treatment,” says David Feiza, physical therapist at ATI’s Geneva South clinic, who has been practicing physical therapy for 34 years. “Exercises are used to relieve pain and restore function. Emphasis during treatment is focused on self-care techniques, including postural training, since the cervical spine has a strong influence on the TM joints.
Be an Advocate for Your Own Jaw Care
Talk to your physician, dentist or oral surgeon about physical therapy for jaw pain relief as an option for your problems. While many involve physical therapy during the care of their patients, your doctor may not be aware of its benefits.
Post Operatively: Some patients who do take the surgical route are referred by their oral surgeon or orthopedic surgeon to do post-operative rehab for the joint; this helps improve the outcome of their surgery. So, if you are a surgical candidate, be sure you choose a surgeon who recommends PT for TMJ for their patients!
Home Exercises: The exercises and stretches learned during physical therapy for TMJ are a valuable tool that can help you if symptoms should ever return. You will know how to manage symptoms on your own.
Get TMJ Treatment At Home
TMJ home treatment is a continuation of the TMJ jaw therapy you received, or a chance to work on accelerated steps even during times when you are socially distant. Some of these treatments can include:
Goldfish. This is where you open and close your mouth forming a slight “O”. The key here is to place one finger on your mandible (the hinge of the TMJ) and the other on your chin. There will be a little resistance, but not much. This can be fully or half open, depending on your level of pain
Relaxing. Press your tongue to the top of your mouth and relax your jaw muscles, causing your mouth to gently fall open. Let it open to the point of discomfort, but don’t force anything.
Resistance: Open. Put your thumb under your chin and push gently as you open your mouth. This is essentially like resistance training as part of your TMJ exercises, only without the big rubber bands.
Resistance: Close. Here you’ll use both hands to grasp your chin with your forefingers and thumb while your mouth is open. Pull gently as you close it.
These are just a few TMJ jaw physical therapy exercises you can do at home. Of course, it is ideal if you are able to continue TMJ treatment at home with an online physical therapist. That way, they can walk you through the steps that will help ensure your jaw hurts no more.
Find Out If Physical Therapy Can Bring You Jaw Pain Relief
ATI Physical Therapy offers complimentary screenings. However, not all physical therapists have special training to screen for and treat TMJ. Find a specially trained therapist in your area, and call today or schedule an appointment online today.