Physiotherapy for jaw pain

There are several musculoskeletal conditions of the jaw that physiotherapy can help to treat. These include disc dysfunction, hypo or hypermobility of the TMJ, capsulitis, trigeminal or facial neuralgia, arthritis, lock jaw and many more. TMJ conditions may present with pain, locking, clicking, or inability to eat certain foods. Sometimes jaw pain can be associated with neck pain, or headaches.

What causes TMJ dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction can be caused by many factors but are not limited to:

  • Previous dental surgery

  • Trauma

  • Chewing habits such as thumb sucking or fingernail biting

  • Grinding or clenching

  • Lifestyle factors (e.g. desk based occupation or stress)

  • Dietary changes

  • Neck or neural pathology

  • Muscle imbalances

  • Infections

What can physiotherapy do to help my jaw problem?

Postural ergonomics

If there are certain environment triggers or postures that increase your pain your physiotherapist can assess your ergonomics at work and home to recommend appropriate changes to assist your recovery. Some jaw conditions are heightened while working with a laptop, personal computer, iPhone or an iPad. Your physiotherapist will recommend the most suitable strategy to improve your condition.

Mobilisation

Gentle mobilisation of your jaw joints as well as your spinal joints can assist in TMJ treatment. Mobilisation can help improve joint alignment, jaw opening and reduce pain.

Massage

Massage has been shown to positively influence your muscles, joints, and nervous system to improve recovery. It can also be effective in reducing stress, grinding, and clenching practices which often aggravate TMJ dysfunctions.

Dry needling or acupuncture

Dry needling or acupuncture can benefit by having a local effect at the site of injury, pain or centrally on the brain, thereby reducing the intensity of the symptom. Local effects include reduction of inflammatory biochemical milieu or increase in fibroblastic activity for healing of inflammation products. MRI studies show that dry needling or acupuncture has an effect on the pain-modulating regions in the brain and the emotional areas.

Taping

Taping modifies biomechanics and function with daily activities and thereby assists recovery. Additionally, it works as a reminder to help correct posture and muscle imbalances.

Stress management

Negative stress can increase muscle tension and heighten nervous system function. Prolonged stress may increase your headache or jaw pain. Physiotherapists can recommend relaxation strategies, breathing techniques and simple lifestyle management to enhance your recovery.

Lifestyle factors

Avoiding foods that require excessive or abnormal chewing patterns such as chewing gum can improve your recovery time. Furthermore, it may be recommended to establish regular reminds to break the grinding and clenching habits.

What can I do at home?

These home strategies will vary from person to person and therefore a physiotherapy assessment is required prior to commencement:

  • Avoid prolonged neck postures particularly looking up (e.g. when painting or shaving)

  • Address/ modify activities or positions that cause your TMJ pain

  • Cryotherapy: heat packs prior to bed can reduce clenching through the night

  • Ice be inverse used for pain relief, due to its numbing properties

  • Application of gentle pressure in a circular motion over temples and jaw

  • Walking (if possible) for 15 minutes daily

  • Gentle neck and jaw exercises without increasing your pain

  • Ergonomics: Sit against the back of your chair and avoid slouching. Position the

    top of the PC or laptop just below eye level to have optimal neck posture. Have your feet on the ground. If they do not touch the ground, use a book, box or preferably a slanted foot stool.

Physiotherapists Courtney Pointon and Megan Esdale have completed post graduate training in treating TMJ/ jaw pain, neck pain and headaches.

If you need assistance in the management of your pain, call the studio on 07 5337 9853, or book online.

Courtney Pointon