TMJ and Jaw Pain Physiotherapy in Etobicoke
Jaw pain, clicking or tightness can make eating, talking and sleeping uncomfortable. Physiotherapy looks at the jaw, neck and posture together and uses exercises and advice where suitable.
What is TMJ pain?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. Problems with the joint or the muscles around it are often called temporomandibular disorders. They can cause pain, clicking, limited opening or a jaw that feels stuck. Causes can include muscle tension, clenching or grinding, past injury, stress and neck posture.
Symptoms we see
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Jaw pain when chewing, yawning or talking
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Clicking, popping or catching in the jaw
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Difficulty opening the mouth wide
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Pain near the ear, temple or cheek
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Neck tension or headaches that go with jaw tightness
What physiotherapy may include​
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Your physiotherapist will assess how your jaw moves, the muscles around it, and your neck and posture. Care may include:
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Education about jaw habits, such as clenching and gum chewing
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Gentle jaw and neck exercises, soft-tissue release, or intra-oral treatment
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Posture and desk set-up advice
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A home plan you can follow
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Physiotherapy often works alongside your dentist, doctor or other providers
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When to see a doctor or dentist
See a doctor or dentist if your jaw locks and will not open or close, you have swelling, fever or a bite that suddenly changed, or you have had a recent injury to the face. Seek urgent care for chest pain, pain spreading to the arm, or jaw pain with shortness of breath or sweating, which can signal a heart problem.
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