TMJ Physio Melbourne
Treatment designed for beyond the bite.
Unlocking TMJ
TMJ is short for ‘temporo-mandibular joint’, which is where your lower jaw (mandible) attaches to the base of your skull on each side of your head. When you experience pain and discomfort in this area, this is known as TMJ disorder, temporo-mandibular disorder, or temporo-mandibular dysfunction.
Physiotherapists, including our team at Glen Eira Physiotherapy, often assist people experiencing TMJ issues. Whether your pain affects one side of your jaw or both, any restriction in your jaw function may also lead to pain elsewhere such as in your ears and affect your quality of life. If TMJ pain is affecting you, TMJ physiotherapy may be the answer.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
It May be Time to Try TMJ Physio
Our team of highly qualified TMJ physios focus on assessing, diagnosing, and managing jaw joint pain and TMJ pain. Not all physiotherapists have experience in this particular area, so finding the right one is crucial.
When addressing TMJ pain, it’s vital to accurately identify and treat any joint swelling, stiffness, or weakness. We tailor TMJ treatment to each individual, as every person and their pain is different. This may involve tailored exercise prescriptions to enhance strength and mobility, modalities such as joint mobilisation or dry needling, and education and advice. In cases of conditions like bruxism, dental assistance may be incorporated to safeguard the teeth and alleviate compression load on the TMJ.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
What Does TMJ Physiotherapy Involve?
Joint Mobilisation
Joint mobilisation aims to gently restore movement and function of the joint, aiming to alleviate pain and improve jaw mobility.
TMJ Massage
A TMJ massage aims to relax the muscles surrounding the jaw, helping to reduce tension, promote improved circulation, and enhance overall jaw function.
Neck Treatment
Problems in the neck may contribute to TMJ pain. In these cases, we aim to treat the underlying issue through neck treatment therapies.
Dry Needling
Dry needling aims to target trigger points and muscle knots in the affected muscles. This looks to promote muscle relaxation, release tension, and improve blood flow.
Heat
Heat often helps to alleviate muscle tension and reduce pain. By applying heat to the affected muscles, heat therapy may increase flexibility and enhance healing.
Advice
We may offer advice on home exercises and stretching, how to maintain good posture, good sleeping positions, and more. In some cases, we may also refer you to a dentist if we believe it may be beneficial for you.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
Your TMJ Questions Answered
Signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction vary from person to person and may be complex. On average, the symptoms will often involve at least one of the numerous TMJ components such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, connective tissue, and the teeth. These symptoms may extend into the ear as well.
Symptoms may include:
- Clicking
- Popping
- Muscle spasm
- Locked jaw (unable to open and close your mouth)
- Facial deformity or swelling
- Tenderness over the jaw joint in front of the ear
- Toothache or ear pain
- Headaches
- Pain in the neck
- Difficulty eating
TMJ disorders and jaw pain tend to affect more women than men, though anybody may experience it. TMJ disorders may be caused by:
- Dental work
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Nail biting
- Chewing gum or hard foods
- Car accidents
- Blunt force to the face
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Disc tears or movement
- Occlusal problems such as poor bite, overbite, or underbite
- Poor neck posture
Every TMJ physio appointment will look different depending on your specific symptoms and treatment goals. Your first appointment will generally involve taking a detailed history of your health history and a thorough assessment of the way your jaw moves. With this information, we aim to determine where your pain is coming from and what restrictions you have.
Follow-up appointments will be centred around our mission to resolve your pain. This will be tailored to you and generally involves at least one of our TMJ physiotherapy treatments such as mobilisation, TMJ massage, dry needling, and so on.
GLEN EIRA PHYSIOTHERAPY
Try TMJ Physiotherapy at Glen Eira Physiotherapy Today
If you’re ready to work on your jaw pain, TMJ physiotherapy may be just what you need. TMJ physio means that your physiotherapist has extensive knowledge and experience in jaw disorders and understanding TMJ, unlike a general physiotherapist. At Glen Eira Physiotherapy, our TMJ physios are dedicated to providing the highest quality care with up-to-date knowledge and modern techniques. To get started, book an appointment with our caring and professional team today.
Find Us
TMJ Specialist Near Me: Get Directions From Your Location
If you would like to speak to one of our team members or make an appointment, please call us on (03) 9571 2111 or book online now.
Physiolates have been providing comprehensive care to patients in Melbourne’s South East. We are a multi-disciplinary clinic with highly experienced staff dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients.
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