Jaw Therapy in Perth

Jaw therapy is an effective treatment for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction and can help to relieve pain and increase joint stability. If you are seeking relief from TMJ pain or dysfunction, we encourage you to book an appointment with us today.

Don't Let Your Jaw Pain Keep You from Living Your Life

Millions of people suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD or TMJ) and don’t even know it. This common condition is characterised by jaw and facial pain that can be chronic and debilitating, including symptoms of jaw clicking and clunking, and an inability to open and close the mouth adequately.

You may not even know that you have a TMJ disorder because the symptoms can be very subtle. It’s important to get treatment for this disorder as soon as possible because left untreated it can lead to more serious health problems.

At Archer St Physiotherapy Centre, we offer jaw therapy to help relieve the dull pain and tension associated with TMD. We use a variety of techniques to release muscle tightness, reduce clicking and clunking, improve mouth opening and help retrain the muscles in your jaw so that you can achieve lasting relief from pain. Our goal is to help you regain the full function of your jaw so that you can eat, speak, and yawn without pain. If you are suffering from TMD, we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that we can develop a treatment plan that will work for you.

Common Reasons You Might Need Jaw Therapy

In most cases, chronic pain in the jaw area is caused by an abnormality or injury to the corresponding joint, but there are other possible causes as well. Here are some of the possible causes of persistent jaw and facial pain:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

Temporomandibular joints are hinge joints that connect the jaw to your skull. The facial pain may be caused by persistent pain from the jaw muscles, direct trauma or excessive stimulation of the jaw joint, and displacement of the disc responsible for cushioning the jaw joint. Additionally, bruxism and involuntary clenching due to stress or anxiety can damage your jaw joint or the muscles that control it. Symptoms include clicking and clunking with eating, yawning or speaking; pain in the face and jaw; and/or an inability to open and close the mouth adequately.

Sinus problems

Sinuses are air-filled cavities located near the jaw joint. Infections of the sinuses, such as caused by virus or bacteria, can cause an excess of mucus to accumulate, putting pressure on the jaw joint and resulting in pain.

Cluster Headache

There is typically pain behind or around one of the eyes with a cluster headache, but it can radiate to the jaw as well. Unfortunately, these types of headaches can be extremely painful. A dull ache headache is also common for these patients.

Tooth pain

Occasionally, severe tooth infections cause pus to collect along the jaw area. These are called dental abscesses and can radiate pain to the jaw. This is characterised by a poor bite and oftentimes, a fever.

Trigeminal neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve provides sensation to a large portion of the face, including the upper and lower jaws. Trigeminal neuralgia is most commonly caused by the compression of this nerve.

Why Choose Archer St Physiotherapy Centre for Jaw Therapy

During a consultation, our physiotherapists assess the function and mobility of your TMJ and jaw to diagnose your musculoskeletal condition and identify your symptoms. If you’re looking for a physiotherapist that can help with jaw pain, you have come to the right place!

Based on years of experience treating patients with jaw pain and other related issues, our dedicated team can help you by addressing any underlying issues and provide the education, therapy, and rehabilitation exercises you need. Make an appointment with us today and see how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Jaw Therapy

How does physiotherapy treat TMJ?

Treatment of TMJ is centred on the reduction in pain and inflammation of the joint. This allows for improvement of movement and function of the joint. Our physiotherapists use a holistic approach to identify possible causes for your jaw pain and evidence based manual techniques including trigger point releases, soft tissue massage and joint glides to treat the area.

How soon can I expect improvements with physiotherapy?

After a few sessions, most patients notice improvements from temporomandibular joint pain. Working with your physio and performing regular exercises can help with your recovery. In some cases, recovery may take longer, and symptoms may persist after treatment, but your physio will address this and plan accordingly.

In conjunction with your treatment program, there are certain things you should avoid if you suffer from TMJ. Parafunctional activities refer to activities that are not necessary for function, but may cause your TMJ undue stress. By avoiding these activities, you can relieve the pressure and stress on your jaw joint and facial muscles and allow them to heal.Cognitive behavioural therapy with clinical psychologists can also help address these parafunctional activities:

Gum chewing
Nail or pen chewing
Strained eating when consuming hard food
Resting your chin in your hands
Clenching your teeth or jaw

What muscles affect the jaw?

When the jaw moves, the jaw muscles move in a complex three-dimensional manner. Three muscles close the jaw (masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid) and two open it (lateral pterygoid and digastric). Muscles are made up of motor units. There is a complex internal architecture of the jaw muscles, with many exhibiting a pennate (feather-like) internal structure.

What are the guidelines for managing TMJ at home?

Lifestyle factors contribute to the speed and quality of one’s recovery from TMJ. A few changes may aid to speed up the recovery process and promote tissue healing.

Consume soft foods

One of the best ways to relieve TMJ pain is to eat softer, less chewy foods. If you eat softer foods, your jaw doesn’t have to chew as much. As a result of chewing less, your jaw is under less pressure and under less stress, so inflammation is reduced. Stick to a soft diet for a few weeks to see if it soothes your symptoms.

Review stress management

TMJ is commonly caused by stress or anxiety. As a result of stress, people tend to clench their jaws throughout the day without noticing it. If you feel stressed, consider taking a walk every day, writing about your problems, talking to a therapist, practising yoga, meditating, or taking a bubble bath. Unwind and relax as much as you can. Do what works for you!

Put on a bite guard

When you clench or grind your teeth, a bite guard can help relieve the pressure on your TMJ joint. You wear a bite guard on your top and bottom teeth and they work by preventing your teeth from touching. Your dentist can advise you if a bite guard is the right treatment for you.

Limit jaw movements

Your jaw can become sore if you yawn, sing loudly, or yell a lot. To give your TMJ joint a rest from movement, stick to limited mouth and jaw movements which may lessen your discomfort.

Self-Massage

Physiotherapists use a number of manual techniques to ease the pain around your jaw and to improve the function of your jaw and make it easier for you to open your mouth. Throughout the day, you can assist by gently massaging around your TMJ in small circular motions, to relieve severe pain and loosen up your jaw muscles.

Apply heat therapy

In addition to the above tips, you can also use heat packs on your jaw and face. A heat pack for 15 minutes a few times per day can help soothe your sore jaw. The soothing temperature acts as an effective muscle relaxant.