TMJ
TMJ program
Are you experiencing jaw pain or clicking? Ear pain? Tight jaw muscles? Headaches? The temporomanibular joint (TMJ) is located directly in front of your ear and is a part of the body that we use many times during the day when we talk, yawn or chew food.
At Integral, we can help! The physiotherapists at out downtown Edmonton clinic are experts in the treatment of issues that involve TMJ. Edmonton men, women and children who suffer from TMJ dysfunction benefit from the personalized treatment that an Integral TMJ specialist can provide.
What causes TMJ dysfunction?
There are many causes of TMJ dysfunction. The most common cause is the TMJ disc moving out of place and causing pressure on the structures around the joint. Other causes can include:
- Poor posture, leading to strains in the muscles of the face and neck
- Clenching and grinding of the teeth, especially during the night
- Lack of sleep
- Inability to relax
- Arthritis
- Car accidents
- Poor diet
Jade is fantastic. I see her whenever my circus muscles get too tight or my TMJ acts up. I refer all my friends and fitness clients to her.
Meghan Schech
What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?
The pain of TMJ dysfunction may be dull and constant but can range to sharp and burning. Other symptoms may include:
- Sore, tight jaw muscles
- Cheek or tooth pain while swallowing, yawning, talking or chewing
- Ear pain
- Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
- Frequent headaches
- Neck aches
- Ringing in the ears
- Facial pain
- Jaw popping or clicking
What are my treatment options?
Fortunately, your Integral physiotherapist can help you by employing a range of treatment techniques. Treatment performance by a TMJ physiotherapist can augment the effect of the appliance or mouth guard your dentist may have already provided.
Your program may include one or more of the following:
- Home stretching and strengthening exercises
- Intramuscular stimulation
- Active Release Technique
- Acupuncture
- Manual therapy
- Postural correction and relaxation exercises
- Therapeutic modalities to help improve healing
What can I expect from treatment?
Here at our downtown Edmonton clinic, you will work with an Integral physiotherapist who will assess your unique jaw and neck movement as well as muscle imbalances. Following your initial assessment, with an Integral physiotherapist, Edmonton clients receive an individualized treatment plan that has been coordinated with their dentist.
Tips for protecting your jaw
- Do not chew gum
- Avoid clenching or tensing
- Rest your muscles and joints by eating soft foods
- Relax your muscles with heat or ice
- Always follow your dentist’s advice and use your oral appliance
How we can help
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, contact our clinic at 587-401-2371 to schedule an appointment with a TMJ specialist. Helping people, like you, get back to feeling great and living well is what we do. Call us and let us show you how!