Physical Therapy and the Treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)
If you've ever experienced jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth fully, you might be dealing with a condition called temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). TMD refers to a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to the skull, and the muscles controlling jaw movement. The good news is that physical therapy can play a pivotal role in managing and alleviating the symptoms of TMD.
What is Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)?
TMD encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the TMJ and the surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint is responsible for allowing you to chew, talk, and yawn, so when it malfunctions, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the most common signs of TMD include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
Difficulty or pain when chewing
Locking or restricted jaw movement
Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
Although TMD can be a result of direct injury, it is often linked to other factors such as teeth grinding, poor posture, stress, or even jaw alignment issues. When any of these factors disrupt the normal function of the TMJ, it can lead to pain and discomfort.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
1. Manual Therapy for Joint Mobilization
Manual therapy including gentle mobilization of the TMJ, can help restore normal function and reduce pain. Joint mobilization involves the application of gentle pressure to the joint to improve its movement and reduce stiffness. For many people with TMD, TMJ stiffness is a key factor in their discomfort, and manual therapy can significantly improve the joint’s mobility and function.
2. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises help stabilize the muscles responsible for jaw movements, while stretching exercises improve flexibility, reducing muscle tension and pain. This is critical as most TMD conditions are the result of an imbalance in the jaw from the right side to the left side. By targeting the muscles of the jaw, neck, and face, these exercises can alleviate strain on the TMJ and prevent further injury.
3. Posture Correction
Poor posture, particularly forward head posture or slouching, can put additional strain on the jaw muscles and TMJ. Improving posture can relieve the added stress on the TMJ, reducing discomfort and helping to prevent future flare-ups of TMD symptoms.
4. Soft Tissue Techniques
Myofascial release and other soft tissue mobilization techniques can help to release tightness and tension in the muscles surrounding the TMJ. Chronic muscle tightness can contribute to TMD symptoms, and these techniques can be especially effective for people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw due to stress, or have headaches as a secondary symptom of their TMD dysfunction.
5. Education and Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications may include stress management techniques, tips for avoiding jaw clenching (such as keeping your teeth apart when not chewing), and recommendations for proper sleep positions to reduce strain on the TMJ. Further education encompasses avoiding foods which cause strain in the jaw, as well as proper chewing techniques.
When Should You Consider Physical Therapy for TMD?
If you’ve been struggling with TMD symptoms that have not improved with self-care, physical therapy could be the next step in your treatment journey. It's especially helpful for people who experience chronic or recurring jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or tension headaches due to TMD.
You might also benefit from PT if:
You have been diagnosed with TMD and are looking for a conservative, non-surgical treatment option.
You grind your teeth (bruxism) or clench your jaw and want to prevent further damage to the TMJ.
Your TMD is linked to poor posture or muscle imbalances that physical therapy can help address.
Are you ready to make an appointment for TMD? Our licensed Physical Therapists are ready to help you begin your path toward TMD relief and recovery.