02 9252 5770

Book now

Request a call back

Chat to Us

We are Open!
Sydney Physio Solutions
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Telehealth Appointments
    • Pilates / Online Exercise Classes
    • Sports Injury Treatment
    • Massage Therapy
    • Men’s Health Physiotherapy
    • Women’s Health Physiotherapy
  • Locations
    • Macquarie Street
    • Castlereagh Street
  • Benefits
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Physiotherapy News
    • Press & Media
  • BOOK NOW
  • 02 9252 5770
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Telehealth Appointments
    • Pilates / Online Exercise Classes
    • Sports Injury Treatment
    • Massage Therapy
    • Men’s Health Physiotherapy
    • Women’s Health Physiotherapy
  • Locations
    • Macquarie Street
    • Castlereagh Street
  • Benefits
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Physiotherapy News
    • Press & Media
  • BOOK NOW
  • 02 9252 5770

Home » Blog » TMD/TMJ – Jaw Disorder

June 15, 2018  |  By Dr Brad McIntosh In Uncategorized

TMD/TMJ – Jaw Disorder

Last Updated on July 19th, 2019

The problem:

  • TMD is a painful condition effecting one or both of the jaw joints (TMJ).
  • Pain is generated through inflammation and irritation of the joint capsule and/or the disc and may involve painful trigger points in the muscles around the joint.
  • Headaches and neck pain are also common features of this condition.
  • TMD is commonly caused through clenching and grinding of the teeth, often in response to stress, or may be a result of poor co-ordination of the muscles of the jaw.

Interesting facts:

  • The TMJ should be under compression for 18 mins per day, in clenchers and grinders this can often be greater than 2 hours!
  • As stress is often a trigger for development of the condition, stress management to decrease parafunctional habits is important.

What you can expect/look out for:

  • Clenching and grinding can start to wear the teeth and may require the use of a splint to protect the teeth and decrease the wear on the TMJ.
  • The TMJ is a very small but sensitive joint, exercises and tissue release should be fairly gentle.
  • Hard and chewy foods should be avoided.

Management suggestions:

  • The first stage in management is to release the tight and painful tissue around the joint.
  • Heat and self-massage to sensitive areas can be quite effective.
  • Anti inflammatory medication can be effective in settling symptoms associated with TMD (consult your GP).
  • Identifying and trying to avoid aggravating activities is important in allowing the painful tissue to settle.
  • Quite often clenching and grinding can take place at night. Exercise before going to sleep, this releases endorphins which can help reduce stress levels which has been shown to trigger these habits.

 

At Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions our highly qualified physiotherapists specialise in the assessment, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal injuries.


Contact us today – 9252 5770

 

This handout was prepared by Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions and is intended as a general information service. Please note that the information provided is not intended as a substitute for advice from a registered physician or healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.

Author

Avatar

Dr Brad McIntosh

Although he is one of the most experienced and sought after Doctors of Physiotherapy in Australia, Brad makes all his patients feel like they are #1.

He also leads his team of caring reception staff and expert physiotherapists with the same degree of passion, which is why Sydney Physio Solutions has built the outstanding reputation it has.

Managing Director BSc (ExSci) MPT (Physio) DPT (Physio) CSCS APAM MSMA

See author's posts

Share this:
Previous StoryFacet Joint Injury
Next StoryCervicogenic Headache

Related Articles

  • Top Ten Tips For Marathon Recovery
  • Top Ten Tips For Marathon Preparation

Leave your comment Cancel Reply

(will not be shared)

Book Online

Make A Booking

ABOUT US

Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions is trusted for the knowledge and experience of it’s staff members. We have physiotherapists who are experts in specific areas of the body so if you are searching for a physiotherapist, see an expert, not a generalist.

We have two physiotherapy clinics in Sydney CBD. All our clinics are staffed by highly qualified and expert physiotherapists whose motivation is to find the cause of your problem & return you to pre-injury fitness as soon as possible.

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

Contact Form

MACQUARIE STREET

Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions
Level 1, 139 Macquarie Street
Sydney 2000
Tel : 02 9252 5770
Email : reception@ssop.com.au

CASTLEREAGH STREET

Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions
Level 8, 155 Castlereagh Street
Sydney 2000
Tel : 02 9264 4153
Email : castlereagh@ssop.com.au

 

Australian PhysioTherapy Association
cq5dam.thumbnail

Copyright ©2019 sydneyphysiosolutions.com.au. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Request a call back