Jaw disorders are the most common chronic musculoskeletal disorder, second only to chronic lower back pain!
TMJs are located in front of each ear: when functioning properly, the left and right TMJ are the only joints that work coordinated as a single unit, you don’t have one jaw opening without the other. Because the TMJ uses both synchronised and 3D movements, it’s distinguished as the most complex joint in the human body.
Your TMJ is essential in every day life, from chewing, talking, kissing, and even breathing.
When your TMJ isn’t properly cared for, you may be at higher risk of developing all sorts of dysfunctions, often abbreviated as TMD (Temporomandibular disorder). Recent studies show that TMD is a complex multi-systemic condition involving far more than merely the jaws and teeth. It involves the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, exocrine, immune, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and the musculoskeletal system.
Developing TMD can happen at any age. There are several theories as to why, but the statistics are clear that this issue is much more prevalent amongst women in their 20’s-40’s.
It’s very common for TMD patients to be treated by multiple medical professionals, such as Dentists, Physiotherapists, and Psychologists.
Your first-line of defence when it comes to treating TMJ should be Physiotherapy. It has practically no risks, and has been shown to reduce pain and improve functional outcomes for individuals with TMD e.g. increased mouth opening, chewing tougher foods, ability to talk without getting tired as quickly, etc. These results have been proven to benefit the patient both in the short-term and in the long-term, and involve no irreversible procedures. The literature is on our side with regards to the minimal risks VS high potential rewards.
There are multiple treatment modalities that can be implemented within Physiotherapy:
These are three-pronged, from biological and psychological through to social.
This service is available at Finchley Rd & Mansion House, to book a Consultation with our TMJ Specialist Gabriel Fingeret please email or call 020 3848 7070.
See below for more information on TMJ, including questions you should ask before starting treatment.
Request AppointmentThere are various questions you should be asking yourself before you begin treatment:
Your Dentist may have offered you a splint. There are three broad categories which explain why your dentist would recommend that:
According the 2020 National Academy of Medicine report, “Data regarding the effectiveness of intra-oral appliance therapy in the treatment of TMJ yields mixed results… ” So here are a few questions to ask your Dentist before going down the splint route:
The surgical route most definitely has a place in the hierarchical strategy for treating severe TMJ problems.
With the benefits in mind, it’s important to understand the full picture. Surgery is controversial, often irreversible, and should be avoided when there are other options available.
If surgery is recommended, make sure you ask the following questions:
Failure to respond well to conservative treatments does not necessarily mean that surgery is necessary, but it is an option.
If you decide to go through with surgery after all, you should be made aware of both short-term and long-term implications on your life. These include shopping tips (purchasing: e.g. straws, a blender and ice packs), non-chew meals and planning tips (e.g. pre-/post-surgery and personal assistance if necessary).
When your jaw isn’t properly cared for, you may be at risk for developing all sorts of dysfunctions abbreviated as TMD (Temporomandibular disorder). Recent studies show that TMD is a complex condition involving all body systems e.g. musculoskeletal, endocrine, digestive, etc.
TMD is the most chronic musculoskeletal disorder only 2nd to chronic lower back pain.
The original cause to TMJ dysfunction can be traced back to 3 reasons:
TMJ treatment involves a holistic approach with hands-on and hands-off techniques.
Hands-on therapy / Manual techniques include soft tissue techniques (similar to massages), trigger point therapy, stretches, nerve glides, articular mobilisations, and specific dry needling techniques that alleviate pain and improve function.
Hands-off therapy includes exercise therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation drills, and stress management.
The cost of an initial appointment with a Physiotherapy TMJ specialist is £180. Follow up appointments are £120.
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is your jaw joint. Just like your knees and elbows are joints, so is your jaw. The only difference is that your left and right knee don’t work together automatically, but your jaw does.
When the integrity or balance in the joint, muscles around the joint, or other structures in the area is disrupted, the jaw can cause some serious discomfort which is referred to as TMD which stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. This is in essence a dysfunction of the joint, because a “normal” jaw shouldn’t cause such discomfort.
Short answer, yes. How quickly it can help and to what extent physiotherapy will help your specific problem completely depends on your unique situation.
Physiotherapy is the first-line of defence when it comes to treating jaw dysfunctions as it has minimal risks, has been shown to improve pain and functional outcomes in the short-term and in the long-term, and involves no irreversible procedures.
A TMJ Physiotherapist Specialist will assess your situation by looking at your jaw and the other associated structures to diagnose the issue at hand. A good physiotherapist will clarify the ongoing problems you’re having and explain the best course of treatment which will most often include a combination of exercises, relaxation drills and manual techniques such as massage, Dry Needling and mobilisations.
TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. This is a collective term for any problem that may be attributed to a jaw dysfunction.
TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, which is a dysfunction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ).
