Do you clench or grind your teeth?? These problems can be related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain with jaw restriction and locking. TMD can interfere with eating, laughing, yawning and even talking. Making an accurate diagnosis of your TMD is essential so an effective treatment regime can be implemented for your particular symptoms. Our physiotherapists will assess your jaw joint, the muscles impacting on the jaw, your neck and your posture. A dentist should be involved assess your bite and any unusual or excessive wearing of your teeth. A physiotherapy approach will be different for each patient depending on the source of their symptoms. Some treatments that are used are myofacial release, massage, acupuncture, joint mobilization and dry needling, The focus is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and muscle spasm, increase posture strength and restore jaw movement and alignment. Treatment is also directed towards associated neck pain, headaches and a good strengthening program for long term self-management.
Tips to start Helping Your Pain Now:
Avoid eating food that requires heavy chewing. No Gum.
Keep teeth slightly apart when resting to reduce grinding & clenching.
Improve your posture. Avoid Slouching.
Call 204-813-5936 inquire about your jaw pain or chronic headaches to see if physiotherapy may be of benefit. Gina Imbrogno, Prairie Trail Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic.