What is Causing the Clicking or Grating Sound in your Jaw?

July 2, 2015 - PRLog -- Your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the most used joint in the body. Your TMJs (jaw joints) are involved with eating, talking, breathing and, probably most importantly, expressing our feelings and emotions.  When things go wrong with your TMJ it is known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

A physical therapist can develop a program for you that includes learning and practicing techniques for regaining normal jaw movement.

You may or may not experience jaw pain or tenderness with TMJ dysfunction. The most common symptoms include:

·         - facial pain,

·         - headaches,

·         - pain in jaw,

·         - pain while closing mouth,

·         - clicking or grating in jaw,

·        -  locking of jaw,

·         - ear pain,

·         - neck and shoulder pain,

·         - difficulty chewing,

·         - tooth grinding,

·         - morning jaw pain, and

·         - difficulty swallowing.

The focus of physical therapy for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles and scar tissue. Physical therapy is an especially important part of recovery from TM joint surgery, as it helps minimize scar tissue formation and muscle tightness.

Physical therapy techniques may include:

·         - Jaw exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion.

·         - Heat therapy to improve blood circulation in the jaw.

·         - Ice therapy to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

·         - Massage to relieve overall muscle tension.

·         - Training to improve posture and correct jaw alignment.

·         - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is the application of a mild electrical current to the skin over the jaw joint. This electrical current is thought to interfere with the body's pain signals. TENS relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, and relieves pain. The effectiveness of TENS varies, but it seems to work for some people.

·        -  Movement of the temporomandibular (TM) joint to release scar tissue that restricts muscle movement and to improve range of motion.

·         - Ultrasound therapy, which uses high-frequency sound waves directed to the TM joint, to reduce pain and swelling and improve circulation.

PhysioMax Wellness in Burlington Ontario provides various tips and treatments for every client's needs. Healthcare providers from this clinic are very knowledgeable about the treatments needed by patients in order to help them recover from their injuries. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries and prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Please contact us or visit www.physiomaxwellness.ca for more detailed information.