Jaw (TMJ-Temporomandibular Joint) Pain

Because your jaw moves so often, when you eat and speak, problems with your jaw joint (the TMJ), which is found at the front of your ear, can be very disabling. Because this joint has many nerves which reach into the neck, face and teeth, problems can spread from the TMJ into these areas and cause pain in the mouth, teeth, upper neck and frequently lead to headaches.

If you experience clicking in your TMJ, especially with eating, this can be an early sign of problems. Over time the pain may become present, even when not chewing. TMJ pain is often made worse if you clench your teeth when you feel stressed or if you have poor head and neck posture. Chewing gum will increase the compressive forces in the TMJ, so if you have symptoms, stop chewing!

After assessing what is causing your pain, Physiotherapy usually works on the muscles and joints in the face and neck which pull on the TMJ, to relieve the compression and stresses going through these joints. We often work in conjunction with your dentist who can provide splints to prevent grinding your teeth at night, a habit which further increases the stresses in the joint and prevents it from healing.

Our specific treatments include Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Joint Mobilisation, heat, relaxation advice, postural advice and specific exercises.

How much will this cost?

Everyone is different and so are your needs. Depending on your assessment, you may need just 2 or 3 sessions and for more long standing and complex problems you may need several treatments. Because TMJ pain is often chronic, we can show you how to manage your symptoms using relaxation and self trigger point therapy. Once you are pain-free, you should come for check-ups every 6 months/yearly to pick up any recurrence of your problems early and make sure they stay away, just like you do with your dentist.

Your initial 45 minute Physiotherapy Assessment costs £47, and then regular 30 minute review sessions cost £38.

What do I do next..?

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