By Sophia Smith 25/10/2024 Conditions

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) Treatment

If you’ve experienced continuous pain or discomfort while chewing, or felt like your jaw was “locking in” in different positions, or pain and tenderness in the jaw area in general, you might be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, often shortened to TMJ disorder.

It is also known to cause headaches or pain around the ears with no other explanation, and even ringing in the ears. With its wide array of symptoms, the effects of TMJ disorder can range from harmless to potentially causing a significant reduction to one’s quality of life, with sufferers often not knowing the cause of their discomfort.

Below, you’ll learn the various ways TMJ disorder can affect one’s life and what treatments are available for the condition.

What is temporomandibular joint disorder?

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge-like joint that connects the jaw to the skull, which makes it crucial in anything that involves jaw movement, such as chewing, yawning, and talking. When that joint becomes inflamed or irritated, it affects all those functions and causes varying amounts of pain and discomfort in the jaw, sometimes even spreading to the neck and shoulders.

Any of the following symptoms could be the sign of an inflamed or dysfunctional TMJ:

Pain in the jaw or tenderness around the face, neck, or shoulders.
Clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw.
Difficulty chewing or discomfort when eating.
The jaw feeling stuck or locked in either an open or closed position.
Headaches or ear pain that don’t seem to have another cause.
A feeling of pressure or ringing in the ears.
General facial pain, especially around the temples or jawline.

What causes temporomandibular joint disorder?

A variety of factors could be responsible for causing TMJ disorder in an individual. These include:

Injuries: A past injury to your jaw or face can impact your TMJ’s health.
Bruxism: another term for teeth grinding or clenching, which can lead to joint strain.
Arthritis: Joint inflammation from arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing pain and stiffness.
Muscle tension: Stress can lead to muscle tightness around your jaw and neck.
Jaw misalignment: When your bite isn’t properly aligned, your TMJ may overcompensate.
Displaced joint disc: The cushioning disc within the TMJ can become dislocated, leading to discomfort.

Can physiotherapy help treat TMJ disorder?

TMJ Physiotherapy and soft tissue therapy can be a safe and effective treatment if done by a qualified physiotherapist. If you believe that your pain and discomfort is being caused by TMJ disorder, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen, speak to a professional as soon as you can.

A physiotherapist will be able to determine whether your TMJ is the cause for your symptoms and prepare a personalised treatment plan like the ones we provide at Recover Physiotherapy. While it’s best to get a consultation as early as possible, we can assess you at any stage of the process and get started on recovery immediately. There are also steps you can take yourself at home to promote healing.

What are common physiotherapy treatments for TMJ?

There are many ways that TMJ can be addressed, either at home or by professionals, or with a long-term treatment plan that combines both. When it comes to professional consultations, a qualified therapist can apply the following methods to treat TMJ disorder:

Massage techniques to help relieve the muscular tension in the jaw, face, and neck
Dry needling or acupuncture to reduce your pain or reduce inflammation in the area
Joint mobilisation to improve alignment of the jaw
Neck and upper back treatment to help with postural strain on the TMJ

As part of your recovery plan, your therapist might also assign some exercises for you to do at home to accelerate recovery, such as:

Using warm or cold compresses to ease pain
Adopting a soft food diet to give your jaw time to rest
Teaching jaw relaxation exercises and stress management techniques
Gentle jaw exercises to improve strength and mobility
Stretching and relaxation techniques to ease muscle tightness

On top of the manual and postural work, treatment can also include supportive devices if teeth grinding and clench is a concern. In that case, there should be collaboration with a dentist or orthodontist to recommend mouthguards or night splints to reduce pressure on your jaw.

What results can you expect?

After physiotherapy treatment for your TMJ disorder, you can expect a variety of benefits, such as:

Pain Relief: By targeting tight muscles and reducing joint stiffness, manual therapy can significantly ease pain caused by a TMJ-related condition.
Improved Jaw Function: Increasing the flexibility and mobility of the TMJ allows you to chew, talk, and yawn with greater ease.
Reduced Headaches and Facial Pain: TMJD often leads to tension headaches and facial discomfort, which can be alleviated through gentle manipulation.
Holistic Relief: Since TMJD can affect the entire face, neck, and upper back, manual therapy provides relief by treating these interconnected areas.

How Recover Physiotherapy Can Help

Depending on your needs, treatment for your TMJ disorder can involve several sessions or become an integral part of your routine.

If you would like to know more you can speak to one of our friendly therapists. Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team!

At Recover Physiotherapy, we are committed to helping you overcome TMJ disorder to improve your quality of life. Our experienced team combines advanced physiotherapy techniques with a personalised approach to provide effective and lasting solutions.

Our physiotherapists have been trained by world leading experts in TMJ disorder and developed a systematic approach. This gives us confidence in finding the root cause for your injury and in order to plan a custom roadmap for recovery.

Find your nearest Recover Physio branch

If you’d like to book a TMJ disorder consultation, you can book online at our Princes Street clinic in Norwich, Norfolk, or our clinic at The Nest, Holt Road, Norwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you relieve TMJ pain?

TMJ pain relief often combines professional treatment with home care. A qualified physiotherapist can use massage techniques, joint mobilisation, and dry needling to reduce tension and inflammation. At home, applying warm or cold compresses, adopting a temporary soft food diet, and performing specific relaxation and gentle jaw exercises can significantly ease discomfort.

What causes TMJ?

TMJ disorder can stem from various factors. Common causes include direct injury to the jaw, teeth grinding or clenching (known as bruxism), and muscle tension, often linked to stress. Conditions like arthritis or structural issues such as a misaligned jaw or a displaced joint disc can also be responsible for the symptoms.

What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?

This is a common point of confusion. ‘TMJ’ technically stands for the Temporomandibular Joint itself, the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. ‘TMD’ stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, which is the medical term for the pain or dysfunction affecting that joint. Although many people (including our article) use ‘TMJ’ to refer to the disorder, TMD is the more precise term for the condition.

Are there any foods you should avoid if you have TMJ?

Yes, during a flare-up, it is best to avoid foods that put excess strain on your jaw. This includes hard foods (like nuts or hard-boiled sweets), chewy items (such as tough meats, bagels, or toffee), and chewing gum. As part of a recovery plan, a therapist might recommend a temporary soft food diet to allow the joint to rest and heal.