By Aleisha Theisen, PTA and NBC-HWC
Sometimes it starts with an annoying clicking when you sing. Or maybe your jaw locks in an uncomfortable position when you chew. Or you yawn and suddenly feel pain springing up the side of your head. No matter how it affects you, a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be frustrating and debilitating to manage.
And it’s quite common: A study found 11 to 12 million adults in the United States had TMJ-related pain, many of them women ages 35-44.
Fear not: Our specialized physical therapists at FYZICAL–Forest Grove are experienced in helping people with TMJ problems to get a handle on the clicking and locking and get back to living life comfortably and normally again.
As part of TMJ Awareness Month, we’d like to shed a little light on the small but vital joint, how we use it in everyday life, and the types of treatments our physical therapists use to get the jaw back into proper, consistent alignment.
What is the TMJ?
The TMJ is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the human body. It works like both a hinge and a sliding door. When you open and close your mouth, speak, chew, yawn or swallow, the bones in this joint move smoothly against each other thanks to two key features: a protective cartilage coating and a small cushioning disk that acts as a shock absorber.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) include a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms can include jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and even ear pain. While the causes of TMD vary, common contributors include:
- Jaw clenching
- Teeth grinding
- Forward head posture
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma or injury
- Arthritis
- Misaligned bite
If the jaw pain is accompanied by chest pain or pressure, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, heartburn, lightheadedness, or dizziness, call 911 immediately as these can be signs of a heart attack.
The FYZICAL Therapy Approach
Our physical therapists are uniquely qualified to treat TMD through their expertise in musculoskeletal conditions and movement science. Their approach typically includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation. Your PT will assess your jaw movement, muscle strength, and posture to identify contributing factors. They also look at your neck mobility and upper body mechanics, as these often influence TMJ function.
- Manual Therapy. Skilled hands-on techniques can improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and decrease pain. In some cases, your PT may be able to teach you to perform them yourself for maintenance. These may include:
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- Trigger point release
- Myofascial release
- Therapeutic Exercises. PTs design specific exercise programs to:
- Improve jaw mobility
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Enhance coordination
- Correct postural issues
- Patient Education. Education is crucial for long-term success. PTs teach patients about:
- Proper jaw positioning
- Stress management techniques
- Ergonomic modifications and sleep positioning to reduce jaw tension
- Self-massage techniques
- Avoiding harmful habits like nail biting or chewing on pens, pencils, or ice
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for TMD
Physical therapy offers several advantages as a treatment approach:
- Non-invasive intervention
- No medication required
- Focus on long-term self-management
- Addresses root causes rather than just symptoms
- Complementary to other treatments
If you’re sick of the clicking, locking, pain or tension in your jaw, call us to set up a PT evaluation at 503-357-1706.
Aleisha Theisen is a physical therapist assistant and a board-certified health and wellness coach.
Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sources
TMJ.org. Retrieved Nov. 5, 2024.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Retrieved Nov. 5, 2024. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd
Mayo Clinic. Heart Attack Overview. Retrieved Nov. 5, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106