If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, a physiotherapist can offer you help. They can help you find the right posture for your jaw and neck. They can also teach you exercises that strengthen your muscles and torso, which may help ease your pain. Your physiotherapist may also give you advice about the right way to rest your jaw and chew hard foods TMJ specialists in Calgary.
Physiotherapists assess the motion of your jaw
TMJ pain is caused by dysfunction in the motion of the jaw. Physiotherapists can help with treating this condition by assessing the motion of the jaw joint and the muscles around it. This can include problems with the jaw opening and closing and stiff joints. They can also provide a referral to a dental surgeon if necessary.
Physical therapists use skilled hands-on techniques to restore the natural motion of your jaw and break up adhesions. These techniques are effective in treating TMJ pain because they help your jaw return to normal joint flexibility. The therapist may also provide you with special exercises that do not put too much pressure on the joint. They can also treat the pain by applying electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
A physical therapist will evaluate your posture, chewing habits, and bite patterns. He will also check your teeth and jaw motion to determine the cause of your TMJ pain. He or she may suspect that a tooth may be misaligned or may need to be repositioned to relieve the pain.
They look for tenderness on one side or the other
Physiotherapists will examine the muscles around the jaw joint and surrounding joints, including the neck and shoulders, for any signs of TMJ dysfunction. If there is tenderness on one side or the other, they will use different techniques to help the patient get back to their normal activities. Because TMJ is connected to other muscles, a proper diagnosis is crucial to an effective treatment regimen. The physiotherapist will also assess the neck, muscles, and posture, to determine the cause of the pain. CT scans and x-rays are also used to detect any structural damage or wear.
They treat congenital jaw anatomy
TMJ pain is common and some Common TMJ symptoms, but it can be treated successfully by a physiotherapist. Because the jaw is so close together, it is often affected by poor posture. One of the most common posturing errors is the forward head position. While the plumb line should go through the middle of the shoulder joints and the ear lobes, this position causes the ear lobe to fall out in front of the shoulders and the head to deviate away from the painful side.
TMJ is a complex joint made up of bones, ligaments, articular discs, cartilage, and synovial fluid. The abnormal motion of these joints leads to pain and other symptoms. When the jaw opens and closes, the articular discs are put under stress.
A thorough history and physical examination are required to diagnose and treat the condition. During the examination, the physiotherapist will palpate the jaw and look for signs of swelling or muscle spasm. The therapist will also examine the teeth and the bite to determine whether the patient grinds their teeth while sleeping.