Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- Sports Injuries
- Bursitis
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Neck Pain / Arm Pain (Cervicalgia / Brachialgia)
- Headaches / Head Pain
- Muscle Strain / Muscle Pull
- Concussion
- Numbness
- Sprains / Ligament Injuries
- Epicondylitis
- Fracture
- Disc Herniation
- Low Back Pain / Sciatica
- Postural Problems
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
- Patellofemoral Syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Shin Splints
- Plantar Fasciopathy
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are quite unique compared to other musculoskeletal issues. The proximity of facial sensory organs, complex innervation, the large number of associated muscles, and the influence of the teeth, neck, shoulders, and posture make careful management essential. These disorders affect approximately 10% of the adult population.
Primary TMJ pain originates from biomechanical dysfunction itself. The most common cases include osteoarthritis, disc displacement, ligament sprains, and myalgia (trigger points). Traumas are more frequent than one might think: car accidents, a child falling on the chin, or a direct hit to the jaw. Prolonged dental treatments (extended mouth opening) or parafunctional habits (bruxism, nail biting, excessive gum chewing, etc.) are also contributing factors. Joint noises (clicking, popping, grating) are a fairly common complaint in this patient group.
Secondary pain origins are more insidious but equally frequent: poor work posture, cranial issues (concussion), craniovertebral or cervical problems, muscular imbalance (tension vs. weakness), neuralgia (trigeminal, facial, Arnold’s), or poor occlusion—all are differential diagnoses that require specific treatment.
It is the physiotherapist’s role to carefully assess the patient’s condition to understand the cause-and-effect relationship explaining the pain. Collaboration with a dentist or referring physician may be necessary to optimize occlusal appliances or medication, for example.
Consequently, given all the structures that can contribute to TMJ pain, physiotherapy treatments aim to restore joint biomechanics, muscle strength and flexibility, coordination and motor control, neural mobility, and optimize posture. A home exercise program is essential in physiotherapy, but even more critical for these patients, as the jaw is used hundreds of times per day—consider how often you talk, chew, yawn, smile, laugh, sneeze, and swallow!
Would you like to meet a specialist?
Book an appointment