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Got TMJ Pain? How Physiotherapy Can Help You Stop the Grind

Do you ever wake up with pain and stiffness around your face and neck? It could be your jaw joint that’s to blame!

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jaw to your skull. When the joint becomes impaired, it can cause pain and discomfort during everyday activities, like eating, speaking, or yawning. Sometimes, problems in your TMJ can also cause deferred pain, like headaches.

The good news is that the team at Stride Sports & Physiotherapy offers several methods for addressing your symptoms at their root.

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Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction develops when the joint becomes irritated or inflamed, which can occur for a number of reasons, such as injury, habits like clenching or grinding teeth, or even poor posture. 

Symptoms can vary as well. Here are some of the most common:

  • Tension in the face, neck, and shoulders
  • Jaw clicking or popping
  • Pain when chewing
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully
  • Headaches 
  • Earaches

Exercise of the Month

Neck Glide

(Neck)

Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed and your head in a neutral position. Gently draw your head straight backward, keeping your chin level, like you’re trying to make a double chin. Avoid tilting your head up or down. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position. 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: none)

Our Approach to Managing TMJ Pain

At Stride Sports & Physiotherapy, we focus on figuring out why you’re experiencing your symptoms. That way, we can correct the underlying causes and improve how your jaw and surrounding muscles work together. From there, we’ll create a customized treatment plan blending physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more to help find a solution that meets your needs.

Techniques we might suggest include:

  • Massage therapy to release tension in tight facial muscles.
  • Manual therapy to improve mobility in the jaw, neck, and upper back so your TMJ can move more smoothly
  • Acupuncture and dry needling to address trigger points and reduce pain signals.
  • Postural corrections to address habits that put unnecessary pressure on the jaw, such as slouching or forward head posture
  • Targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
  • Personalized behavior modifications to  address habits like teeth clenching that can contribute to TMJ pain

Enhance TMJ Health Today With These Simple Strategies

While we encourage you to make an appointment to receive personalized TMJ care, a few simple changes can help protect your jaw and prepare your body to respond better to therapy:

  • Avoid chewing gum or hard foods that strain the jaw.
  • Practice relaxation techniques to reduce clenching.
  • Apply a warm compress to ease sore muscles.
  • Keep your teeth slightly apart during the day instead of pressing them together.
  • Check your posture at work and when using devices.

Sources: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13005-023-00385-y, http://ir.librarynmu.com/handle/123456789/10603 

Take the First Step To Resolving TMJ Pain

Living with TMJ dysfunction can disrupt your sleep, limit your ability to eat comfortably, and trigger headaches that interfere with daily activities. Addressing the problem early prevents small issues from turning into long-term challenges.

Our team will assess your unique movement patterns and provide care focused on restoring natural function. Our ultimate goal is to resolve the underlying issues with your TMJ, which can help with long-term relief.

If TMJ pain is holding you back, you have options!  The team at Stride Sports & Physiotherapy offers a safe, evidence-based way to restore comfort and function. With the right plan, you can stop the grind and get back to living without constant jaw pain.

Request Appointment

Simple Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled & chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cans black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper
  1. In a big pot, cook onion in a little oil until soft.
  2. Add sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt & pepper. Stir.
  3. Add beans, tomatoes, and broth. Stir.
  4. Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender (about 20 min).
  5. Taste and season more if needed. Serve!