Physiotherapy in Singapore is more than addressing upper and lower body conditions. It is also demonstrated to be useful for various disorders around the head, including jaw pain.

However, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), actions like smiling, talking and eating could be painful. For those who need TMJ treatment, physiotherapy is another option as part of your pain relief and joint mobilisation. Most people with jaw dysfunction receive this programme as a non-invasive option.

If this disorder affects your daily life, here’s what you should know on how to address it.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the area of the jaw between the ears that allows you to open and close your mouth. If you have this, it may impair your ability to open your mouth, chew, or talk in extreme circumstances. It is because it is a significantly more intricate joint than the others.

Pain in the jaw is the most common symptom of temporomandibular joint disease, but other symptoms, such as headaches, shoulder pain, back discomfort, ear pain, neck pain and more, can be caused by this condition.

TMJ is a painful and disabling disorder that is not always easy to treat. However, you may be able to find relief when you have the right dentist and physio in Singapore.

Symptoms

• Sensitivity or pain in the jaw, cheek, neck, shoulders, and ear.
• Toothaches, headaches, neck pain, dizziness, and balance and hearing issues
• Look of weariness
• Limited capacity to expand one’s mouth widely.
• The ability to lock one’s jaw into an open or closed posture.
• Face swelling on one side.
• Make a snapping, popping, or biting noise with your lips open or closed.
• Eating problems or an unpleasant, unexpected bite.

Most cases of TMJ have a constellation of related but distinct signs and symptoms rather than a single, overarching issue. Accidents, dental procedures, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress-induced muscle tension, and bad posture are all potential causes of facial pain.

In most cases, the discomfort and tension originate from the body itself. However, tooth grinding and bite issues can also lead to pain.

It’s best to visit a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore to get a recommended TMJ treatment programme that fits your needs as soon as possible.

It is a viable treatment option for TMJ issues, regardless of the root reason or severity of the symptoms. It may subside as a result of the improvement in joint function.

How Can Physiotherapy Address TMJ?

When evaluating the right TMJ treatment for you, a therapist will begin an evaluation, such as looking at the cervical spine and shoulder blades to see if there are any issues. TMJ treatment relies largely on upright positioning and freedom of movement; thus, examining these factors is crucial.

Your physio in Singapore may help you:

1. Recover fast

Physiotherapists know how to evaluate your TMJ muscles and can help reduce muscle spasms. Combined with manual therapy techniques, it will lead to better joint alignment and mobility, leading to decreased discomfort.

2. Regain natural movement

TMJ treatment for patients with excessive or abnormal movement. Physiotherapists are trained to spot these issues and provide treatments and exercises to assist patients in regaining their natural movement patterns.

3. Alleviate pain

Physiotherapists can alleviate pain and improve your condition using mobilisation treatments such as thermal modalities, acupuncture, and light manual treatment.

4. Correct your posture

When you go to a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore, they will help you improve your head posture and instruct you in the proper techniques for building up your postural muscles and extending their contracted tissues.

If you want an effective TMJ treatment, maintaining the correct posture and being consistent with the home workouts are essential for long-term success.

5. Recommend lifestyle changes

When treating TMJ through physiotherapy in Singapore, experts can recommend diet, exercise, and stress management modifications to improve the patient’s overall health. For instance, relieving stress can help alleviate TMJ symptoms by relieving tension.

6. Instruct exercises

Physical therapy as a TMJ treatment is effective for most patients. Your therapist will then give you a series of exercises to do on your own at home to keep your range of motion up between appointments.

There are some physical therapy activities that you can try out right away to determine if they make a difference, such as:

• Relaxed jaw exercise
• Chin tucks
• Resisted opening and closing of the mouth
• Tongue up
• Goldfish exercises (partial and full opening)
• Forward jaw movement
• Side-to-side jaw movement

How Long Is TMJ Treatment?

Patients seeking TMJ treatment typically find ways to feel better and prefer a faster healing process. There is usually a rapid improvement in most symptoms after starting treatment. However, some may persist until your jaw has adjusted.

Proper diagnosis and treatment can lessen the severity and duration of a TMJ flare-up, allowing you to get back to your life faster. Before you create a plan with a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore, you should consult your dentist about possible treatments for TMJ because the condition can significantly impact your quality of life.

For patients seeking therapy, instantaneous relief can be achieved through stress management exercises, moving the neck and jaw, and massaging the jaw. However, if you want long-term healing, it could take a few weeks to a few months before you experience the full advantages.

Most people who suffer from TMJ pain and seek treatment report a dramatic improvement after receiving TMJ treatment from a therapist.

Why Should You Visit A Physiotherapy Clinic For TMJ Treatment?

If you notice the symptoms mentioned above, such as pain in the jaw or face, trouble opening the mouth, or a habit of teeth grinding or clenching, you should make an appointment to have this checked out as it might develop into TMJ disorder.

Suppose the pain and discomfort are already affecting your life. In that case, it’s best to book an appointment at a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore as early as possible to get the best treatment plan.

Get treated by Calibrate Health

Enjoy a pain-free life with the help of Calibre Health, a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore that provides various services. They also provide the expertise of a vertigo specialist in Singapore if you need help. Book a session today!