What is TMJ?
The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) or jaw is a complex mechanical joint system which allows us to chew, speak, yawn and perform many other daily functions. Most people don’t realise that the jaw is intimately related with the neck, inner ear, teeth and base of the skull and works with these other structures to create normal movement patterns. This intimate relationship is both neurological and mechanical. It is neurological in the sense that the same part of the nervous system mediates neural activity across the structures mentioned above ( the trigemino-cervical nucleus) and mechanical in that the jaw is attached with ligaments onto the skull, and the skull sits on the top cervical vertebrae.
Symptoms of TMJ
Common complaints we hear from TMJ patients are jaw pain, clicking, difficulty opening the mouth and painful chewing.
Research has shown that TMJ pain and dysfunction is common in clients who also have neck pain, thoracic pain, low back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia or who have been involved in whiplash injuries in the past.
We believe the neurological and mechanical relationships discussed above are associated with the mechanisms by which people can feel TMJ pain.
Jaw Physiotherapy Newtown
At Active Physiotherapy Newtown, we have experienced TMJ physiotherapists who can assess and treat the TMJ along with any other mechanical structures that may be involved. Our physiotherapists are trained to perform specialised release techniques and provide you with individual exercises to achieve normal TMJ motion and reduce pain.
Our physiotherapists will take your history, assess your jaw moving, assess the rest of your body relative to your jaw and explain their findings to you. They will then explain the treatment plan to you and get your jaw moving better and feeling better as soon as possible.
How to Treat Jaw Pain
Find out more about TMJ and Jaw Pain from our blog post which gives you tips on how to deal with jaw pain. Featuring exercises from practicing physiotherapist Dr. John Panagopoulos.
References:
1. Yair Sharav et al. Orofacial Pain and Headaches. Elsevier Publication, 2008.
2. Garcia R, Arrington JA. The relationship between cervical whiplash and temporomandibular joint injuries: an MRI study. Journal of craniomandibular Practice 1996;14: 233-239.
3. Heise AP, Laskin DM, Gervin AS. Incidence of temporomandibular joint symptoms following whiplash injury. Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery 1992; 50: 825 -828.
Our Newtown Physiotherapy Clinic
Our Newtown Physio clinic houses a full-strength gym and Pilates studio. We run daily Pilates classes with a maximum of 6 participants, so you get the attention you need to perform the exercises correctly. Our clinic has strong connections to the local GP network and our local GPs trust us to get your diagnosis right and implement the most effective treatment plan possible for you.
Our Darlinghurst Physiotherapy Clinic
Activephysio’s Darlinghurst Physiotherapy Clinic is conveniently located on the Surry Hills side of Oxford St and a stone’s throw from Oxford St in Darlinghurst. Our new address is Shop 1/220 Goulburn St Darlinghurst. There is convenient 2-hour parking along the street and all adjoining streets, and we are 500m from Central Train Station. We are moments from the buses on Oxford Street as well.