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TMJ – A Case Study

How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Jaw Pain (TMJ Dysfunction)

Are you struggling with jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction? You’re not alone! Many people experience discomfort in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can make everyday tasks like eating or talking painful. Depending on the cause of your TMJ pain, physiotherapy can often help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What Can You Expect From Physiotherapy for Jaw Pain?

Let’s look at a typical case of a client visiting our clinic for jaw pain treatment:

 

Client Case Study:

TK, a 30-year-old woman, was referred to physiotherapy by her dentist for TMJ dysfunction. She had been experiencing pain on the right side of her jaw, occasionally affecting the left side as well. The pain began 6 months ago without any clear cause, and there was no history of clicking, locking, or injury to the jaw. TK also had recurring neck stiffness and occasional headaches.

Despite expecting the pain to resolve on its own, it became more persistent over time. Recently, she switched to a desk job that involves less physical movement, which she feels may have contributed to her symptoms. Additionally, TK grinds her teeth at night (bruxism), and her dentist fitted her with a night guard to help manage this.

 

 

Physiotherapy Assessment for Jaw Pain

When TK visited the clinic, the physiotherapist conducted a thorough assessment, focusing on her jaw and neck. This included:

  • Checking the range of motion and muscle strength in her neck and jaw
  • Assessing the ligaments and joints of the cervical spine and TMJ
  • Examining the muscles inside the mouth to assess jaw movement

The physiotherapist diagnosed TK with myofascial pain syndrome affecting her TMJ, particularly on the right side. She also had articular dysfunction in her upper cervical spine. In simple terms, this means her muscles were tight and the joint movement in her jaw and neck was not optimal.

Treatment Plan for TMJ Dysfunction

TK was advised to attend 6 physiotherapy sessions, scheduled once a week, which is typical for managing TMJ issues. Each session focused on relieving jaw pain and improving her overall function.

What Does Treatment Involve?

A physiotherapy approach usually involves manual therapy on the outside and inside of the mouth and jaw

  • Manual therapy on the muscles and joints in the jaw and neck
  • A customized home exercise program that includes:
    • Jaw and neck range of motion exercises
    • Strengthening exercises for the cervical spine and jaw
    • Relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce muscle tension
    • Ergonomics tips for better posture at work and while sleeping

The Results

After several treatment sessions, TK reported significant improvement in her jaw pain, with only minor tightness remaining, which she managed through her home exercises. A follow-up appointment was scheduled 6 weeks later to ensure her progress was maintained. TK later contacted the clinic to share that her symptoms continued to improve, and she was discharged from physiotherapy care.

Why Physiotherapy for Jaw Pain?

If you’re suffering from jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction, physiotherapy may be the solution you need. Our team of experts can assess your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to living pain-free. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your appointment in Warman or Saskatoon!

*Pro Tip: both Shannon Domres (Warman, Saskatoon) and Kendra Usunier have keen interest in TMJ assessment and treatment!

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Do YOU have TMJ?

Have you heard of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? It’s one of the most used joints in your body. Did you know physiotherapy can help with TMJ problems?

Your TMJ, also known as your jaw joint, is used for eating, talking, expressing emotion (both consciously and unconsciously) and breathing.

Pain associated with dysfunction in this area may be felt in the jaw line, cheek, ear, temporal region (side of head) and commonly associated with headaches and neck pain. TMJ problems, or TMJ dysfunction (TMD) can also present as inability to fully open your mouth, pain with chewing, popping/cracking with opening and closing your mouth, and/or grinding/clenching of teeth.

Some of the causes of TMJ problems can be derangement or displacement of a disc between your mandible (jaw bone) and skull, muscle dysfunction, habitual clenching/grinding (bruxism), or trauma to the face and jaw. Common contributing factors to TMD can be stress, anxiety, prolonged opening of the mouth (e.g. during dental procedures), mandibular malalignment or orthodontic work to name a few.

A physiotherapist will assess the TMJ by asking a detailed history, taking observations of jaw alignment, posture, and neck position. They will observe how the individual opens and closes their mouth, looking for abnormal movements patterns, and observe for clicking from the TMJ. The therapist will palpate externally for muscle tone, and to assess the movement of the TMJ. Using gloves an intra-oral assessment will be completed as well to determine how the joint is functioning, and to further assess the myofascial system. The neck is generally assessed as it can commonly contribute to dysfunction in the TMJ.

Following an assessment, a treatment plan and home program will be developed.

Ms. W comes in with complaints of pain through the right greater than left temporal region of her jaw, inner ear on right, frequent headaches and stiffness in the jaw that is often worse in the morning. Recently she has begun to noticing a clicking from her right jaw, especially when she yawns or eats chewier items. Her dentist advised her she likely has TMJ problems and recommended that physiotherapy may help.

The physiotherapist may ask a few of the following questions: How long have you been dealing with this problem? Do you ever find yourself clenching your jaw in times of stress or have you been told you grind your teeth overnight? Any recent dental procedures? Any history of trauma to the face or neck?

As mentioned above the TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. Most clients who receive treatment for their jaws have been experiencing symptoms for some time, and often did not know that physiotherapy can help. Commonly they have seen their doctor or dentist prior to seeking treatment.

In the case above the individual likely has a longer standing history of clenching, also known as bruxism. Commonly people can do this subconsciously during their sleep, or in times of stress. When frequently clenching the muscles of the face and jaw can become fatigued and become sources of pain. When muscle are held tight for long enough they can start to alter the way the jaw moves, and lead to problems with a disc located between the jaw and the skull.

The physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan specific to Ms. W’s presentation completing treatment specific to the muscles surrounding the TMJ and the joint itself.

 

If any of the symptoms described sound familiar, book in for an assessment today!

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