What is TMD?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD, TMJD) is an umbrella term covering pain and dysfunction of the muscles that move the jaw and the joints which connect the mandible to the skull. The most important feature is pain, followed by restricted mandibular movement, and noises from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) during jaw movement. Although TMD is not life-threatening, it can be detrimental to quality of life, this is because the symptoms can become chronic and difficult to manage.

Symptoms of TMD

• Pain or tenderness of your jaw
• Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
• Aching pain in and around your ear
• Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
• Aching facial pain
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
• Headaches
• Clicking or popping when you open your mouth

At Meadowlands Physiotherapy we have a team of FCAMPT Physiotherapists with advanced training in manual therapy and post-graduate training in the area of TMD.

Physiotherapy can be effective in eliminating or reducing symptoms associated with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pathology. Physiotherapists with advanced training in TMD assessment and treatment utilize a variety of evidence based evaluation skills and outcome measures in their approach to patients with TMJ pathology.

 

Treatment may include one or more of the following:

• Specific manual therapy techniques (i.e. Joint mobilization and/or soft tissue massage)
• Acupuncture or Dry Needling Acupuncture
• Specific exercise therapy
• Postural education to improve cervical and mandibular position
• Education about TMJ pathology and self-management

 

Do you suffer from TMD?

If you, or someone you know is suffering with TMD, please call us at Meadowlands Physiotherapy today and ask for a consultation with Laura Baillie or Kerrie Corrigan