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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a remarkable structure that enables the movement of your jaw, facilitating essential functions like chewing and speaking. However, when the TMJ encounters dysfunction, it can lead to discomfort and impairments in daily life.
At Ground Up Physiotherapy, we will help you understand the signs & symptoms of TMJ, the treatment options and rehabilitation process.
Anatomy
The TMJ is a unique joint that allows your jaw to move. It's a special type of joint that works like a hinge and a sliding joint. The surfaces of this joint are covered with a fibrous, smooth tissue called fibrocartilage, and there's a disc made of similar material that splits the joint into two parts.
The TMJ is surrounded by a strong capsule that attaches to various parts of the joint. This capsule helps hold the joint together.
Inside the joint, there's a disc that acts like a cushion between the bones. This disc separates the joint into an upper and lower section, each with its own lining that produces lubricating fluid. The disc is also connected to the jawbone on the sides by ligaments.
At the front, the disc is attached to the joint capsule and a muscle that helps move the jaw. At the back, it connects to the back part of the joint, which is called the retrodiscal tissue.
The retrodiscal tissue is different from the disc because it has lots of blood vessels and nerves, making it very sensitive. This area often causes pain in people with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), especially when there's inflammation or pressure in the joint.
Role of the TMJ
The TMJ allows your jaw to move in several ways, including:
- Opening your mouth (depression)
- Closing your mouth (elevation)
- Moving your jaw side to side (lateral deviation)
- Pushing your jaw backward (retrusion)
- Pushing your jaw forward (protrusion)
These movements are made possible by several muscles working together to control the jaw’s position.
When you chew or talk, your jaw combines these movements in different directions.
Signs & Symptoms
These include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain in one or both of the TMJ
- Aching pain around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Joint locking, making it hard to open or close your mouth
TMD can also cause a clicking or grating sound when you open your mouth or chew.
Rehab
The recovery time for TMJ dysfunction varies based on the severity of the condition, the individual's overall health, and how well they follow their treatment plan. Typically, full recovery can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. However, it's important to remember that each person's recovery process is unique.
- Soft tissue release: We will provide hands-on techniques to release the muscles causing tightness of the soft tissues, addressing muscle spasms. This can involve treatment of the muscles in your face, jaw, and inside your mouth.
- Joint mobilisation: Your Ground Up Physiotherapist will work to alleviate any stiffness in your neck and jaw, aiming to restore movement to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Therapeutic exercises: We will guide you through specific exercises to perform several times a day. These exercises are designed to help break the cycle of pain and muscle spasm, addressing muscle imbalances and improving joint mobility to support proper alignment of your head, neck, and jaw.
TMJ dysfunction can cause an uncomfortable feeling that restricts your ability to eat and talk. To learn how to address this issue, contact us on 0481 873 288 or book online for a consultation. Ground Up Physiotherapy is located in the Canterbury-Bankstown area off Kingsgrove Rd with plenty of street and underground carpark.
