Physiotherapy for TMJD 

Are you struggling with facial pain? headaches? Pain in your jaw with talking and eating? Feeling that your teeth are out of alignment for no apparent reason? You most likely have TMJD. Help is available. Physiotherapy is a proven method to reduce pain, improve your jaw function and quality of life.

TMJD also known as temporomandibular dysfunction is a problem affecting the joints, muscles and soft tissues of the jaw. It can cause face, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, clicking in the jaw, tinnitus, tightness in the facial muscles and many other symptoms which can negatively impact a persons quality of life.

About TMJD

TMJD is a little known and little understood condition that often goes overlooked as the cause of many common symptoms. The TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. This is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your the skull and is not usually given much thought until it begins to cause pain or clicking, popping sounds are heard, indicating a problem with the TMJ and the muscles, ligaments and tissues surrounding it.

When the TMJ no longer functions as it should this is termed TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) or TMJD. This can cause:

• Facial pain
• Limited mouth opening
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Muscle spasms and tension.
• Referred pain to the neck, shoulders and back
• Hearing problems and tinnitus
• Blurred vision

TMJD is often treated by dentists, or oral surgeons who may suggest medications for pain releif, or a device to limit teeth grinding. This focus on teeth and occlusion is important but often means the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joint are overlooked, despite being the main source of pain.

Treatments available for TMJD

Physiotherapy focuses on releiving pain and restoring normal, even movement and function. TMJ physio focuses on primarily on the jaw, neck and shoulders. If further postural problems are present at the back or hips these areas are also treated, using a combination of hands on treatment (massage, acupuncture, myofascial release) and exercise rehabilitation.  Evidence has shown physiotherapy can significantly reduce facial pain, headaches and other symptoms of TMJD, reducing the need for surgery, dental work and other irreversable treatments.

Complimentary therapies such as massage can also make a big improvement to the symptoms of this condition by improving mouth opening, reducing pain and relieving muscular tension.

After suffering from TMJD herself and having to travel as far as London to gain treatment, Claire completed TMJ therapy training with Tracey Kiernan’s blend therapy school to become one of the first practitioners in Norfolk to offer this highly effective form of treatment to help manage TMJD. A few years later after qualifying as a physiotherapist Claire completed further training with the  ACPTMD to offer physiotherapy for TMJD. 

Claire offers TMJ physiotherapy appointments at treat-Norwich, Lawson Road, Norwich, NR34LF.

What to expect at a TMJ physio appointment

Your first appointment will include a discussion of your symptoms, general health, lifestyle and goals of treatment. This will be followed by an assessment of your posture, jaw movement, neck and shoulder movement, if other areas are affected (eg back or hips) these may also be assessed.

Once Claire is aware of what your problems may be you will be treated using a combination of massage, myofascial release and acupuncture depending on your needs and preferences. You may be given some exercises or self massage techniques to complete at home, and some advice and education on how to prevent and manage TMJD (e.g to be aware of your posture, avoid chewing gum etc).

How many appointments do i need 

Most clients need 4-6 treatments to get out of pain and to calm their symptoms, these are usually 2 weeks apart but can be closer or more spaced depending on your needs, budget and availability. Many clients continue to have ongoing maintenance treatments every 3-6 weeks to prevent symptoms coming back or worsening again.

Appointments are available at Treat-Norwich, Lawson Road, Norwich, NR34LF.

Prices

60 minutes £75

45 minutes £60

30 minutes £45

please book 1 hour or 45 mintes for your first appointment.

Appointments can be booked online or by emailing info@clairegurneypilates.com

If you would like to speak with Claire before booking you can arrange a free call to discuss how she can help you by completing this form or filling in the contact form below.