TMJ Physiotherapy in Markham & Aurora, ON
TMJ Physiotherapy in Markham & Aurora, ONWhat is TMJ?
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or difficulty opening and closing your jaw, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorders can significantly impact your daily life and activities. At Honsberger Physio+, we offer specialized physiotherapy treatment for TMJ disorders to help you alleviate pain and improve function.
Our experienced and knowledgeable physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. We use a combination of manual therapy techniques, exercise prescription, and education to help you achieve optimal results.
With services in both Markham and Aurora, our team is here to help you wherever you need. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward relieving your TMJ symptoms.
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What are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the joints on either side of the jaw that connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone). These joints allow for movement of the jaw, which is necessary for functions such as chewing, talking, and yawning.
The TMJ is a complex joint that is made up of several structures, including the jaw bone, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Problems with the TMJ can cause pain, clicking or popping sounds, stiffness, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your TMJ, working with a professional TMJ therapist can help alleviate these problems and get your TMJ functioning back to normal.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ issues can have various causes, including stress, trauma, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, and arthritis. Clenching or grinding of the teeth, known as bruxism, can also contribute to TMJ issues. Other factors that can lead to TMJ disorders include poor posture, excessive gum chewing, and habitual nail biting. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can increase the risk of developing TMJ problems.
Common Symptoms of TMJ:
- Jaw Pain: Pain in the jaw joint or the jaw muscles that control jaw movement is one of the most common symptoms. This pain can be sharp or dull and may be localized to one side or affect both sides of the face.
- Jaw Clicking or Popping: Many individuals with TMJ experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouth. This is often due to the displacement of the jaw's disc.
- Limited Jaw Movement: TMJ can lead to limited jaw mobility or decreased range of motion, making it difficult to open your mouth wide or move it smoothly.
- Headaches: TMJ-related pain and muscle tension can lead to headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
- Ear Pain and Fullness: Discomfort in or around the ear is a common symptom, and some people may even experience earaches.
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears): TMJ can cause or exacerbate tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears.
- Neck and Shoulder Pain: The pain and tension from TMJ can radiate to the neck and shoulders, leading to discomfort in these areas.
- Facial Pain: You may experience severe pain in the face, especially in the cheeks and temple areas.
- Tooth Pain: Some people with TMJ may mistakenly believe they have a toothache when the pain is actually related to the jaw joint.
- Difficulty Chewing: TMJ can make it uncomfortable or painful to chew food, and some individuals may also experience jaw fatigue.
- Facial Swelling: In some cases, there may be swelling on one or both sides of the face due to inflammation of the TMJ.
- Muscle spasms (myofascial pain): Muscle tension and spasm in the muscles that control jaw movement.
Factors That can Increase the Risk of TMJ issues:
- Body Misalignment due to poor posture and poor body mehanics
- Trauma (such as a direct impact from sports injuries or other accidents)
- Grinding (Bruxism) and/ or clenching issues
- Malocclusion and/or any other misalignment of teeth/jaw.
- Hard chewing
- Stress and Anxiety
- Motor vehicle accident injuries
TMJ issues may cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty performing everyday activities such as eating and speaking. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, pain management, posture re-alignment and in some cases, surgery.
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How Can TMJ Physiotherapy Help?
Our approach to treating TMJ dysfunction starts with full understanding of the root causes behind your TMJ problem. Since we know there are several factors that can create TMJ issues, our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment of your posture and your lifestyle orientation to understand its impact on your jaw alignment.. Our assessments can also determine if your TMJ issues stem from a dental issue, for then they will advise a visit to your dental specialist for a check-up, as sometimes problems can be resolved with input from both professions.
TMJ physiotherapy can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. A physiotherapist who specializes in TMJ treatment can assess the condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include exercises to improve jaw mobility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the TMJ, as well as manual therapy techniques such as massage or mobilization to help reduce pain and improve function. The physiotherapist may also provide education on proper posture, relaxation techniques, and ways to reduce stress and tension in the jaw.
At Honsberger Physio+, our TMJ physiotherapists offer effective non-invasive treatment options for individuals with TMJ disorders.
We offer treatments such as:
- Manual Physiotherapy
- Massage Therapy
- Cranial Osteopathy
- Strengthening exercises
- Advice on lifestyle changes
- Home equipment for postural correction/management
With a customized approach based on your needs, goals, and the type of symptoms you’re experiencing, our TMJ therapists at Honsberger Physio+ will design a treatment plan that will rehabilitate your TMJ and get you feeling better than ever. Book a consultation to learn more about our TMJ services.
When Should I Seek Treatment For TMJ?
You should consider seeking treatment for TMJ if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Locking of the jaw
- Aching pain in or around the ear
- Headaches
- Painful or uncomfortable biting or chewing
If you experience any of these symptoms, our TMJ therapists at Honsberger Physio+ are here to help. Early intervention can prevent your condition from worsening and improve your overall quality of life.
Book an appointment in Markham
Get Started Today
If this sounds like you, don’t wait to get TMJ relief. Our TMJ therapists work out of Aurora and Markham and are here to help you get the results you’re looking for.
Meet Our TMJ Physiotherapists:
To learn more about how we can help you take control of your TMJ and stop experiencing painful symptoms, book a consultation and meet our team. We’d love to hear more about what you’re going through and build a customized plan to manage your TMJ pain.
