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At Wandsworth physiotherapy and osteopathy our highly experienced TMJ physiotherapists treat people just like you and help them get back to what they love doing without further jaw pain.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders refers to a range of conditions affecting the TMJ itself, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This disorder can cause discomfort, pain and limitations in jaw movement. This can impact daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even sleeping.
The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure comprised of the jawbone (mandible), temporal bone of the skull, and a disc that cushions the joint. Muscles surrounding the joint, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, play a crucial role in jaw movement and stability.
The TMJ functions through a combination of hinge and sliding motions, allowing for the opening, closing, and side-to-side movements of the jaw. The coordinated action of muscles, ligaments, and the joint itself enables smooth and pain-free jaw function.
TMJ disorders can arise from various factors, including:
Direct impact to the jaw, such as from a fall or blow, can damage the TMJ and surrounding structures.
Persistent clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep, can exert excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the joint. It can also lead to hypertrophy of the muscles of mastication – predominantly the masseter muscle. This becomes enlarged and painful.
An abnormal bite or jaw alignment can strain the TMJ, causing pain and dysfunction. As can stiff and dysfunction in the cervical vertebra. The neck should usually also be assessed when you have jaw pain.
Tension and stress can contribute to jaw clenching and muscle tightness, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, leading to inflammation, pain and stiffness.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, leading to inflammation, pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder may vary from person to person but commonly include:
Treatment for TMJ disorder aims to alleviate symptoms, improve jaw function, and address underlying causes. Here are some common treatment modalities:
Simple self-care techniques can often provide relief from mild TMJ symptoms. These may include applying ice packs to the jaw, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorder. In some cases, muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to reduce muscle tension and stress.
A physiotherapist can design a personalised exercise program to strengthen jaw muscles, improve range of motion, and promote relaxation. Manual therapy techniques such as massage, acupuncture and joint mobilisation may also be utilised to alleviate pain and stiffness.
This is a muscle relaxant that can be injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles to relax them for a period of a few months. This will decrease their strength and can take pressure out of the TMJ allowing the pain to settle down.
If your TMJ disorder is related to dental issues such as misalignment or bruxism, your dentist may recommend treatments such as orthodontic work, occlusal splints (mouth guards), or dental restorations to correct bite abnormalities and reduce jaw strain.
Tsu Nami2025-06-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had back pain (which I initially thought was hip pain). My pain subsided with the exercises prescribed, and was a massive fan of Nuzhat Shaikh because she responded positively to my curiosity about human anatomy. I feel confident that I can manage my exercise load without aggravating my back, because I understand the signals my body is giving me better! Laura M2025-06-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience with my physiotherapy sessions. Shreya was knowledgeable, attentive, and tailored the treatment to my specific needs. I noticed real improvement after just a few sessions. Highly recommend for anyone Lili Marfani2025-06-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought help from Wandsworth Physiotherapy (Khushboo in particular) to treat osteoarthritis in my knee. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the treatment took to start working. Khushboo customised her treatment and exercises to my capabilities and abilities. All in all a very positive experience. I would highly recommend WP. Amanda S2025-06-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing sports massage! Helped with my ITB issues before a half marathon. The staff were lovely and very knowledgeable - would high recommend! Yelda Rashid2025-06-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am currently seeing Prarthi for slipped disc and sciatica related pain. Every session makes a difference and 3 weeks in and my pain and overall mobility is much better. Highly recommend. Corina Musat2025-05-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had the best session with Andreas. He’s understood my back pain issues and has suggested a treatment plan that is already paying off after just one session. James Cornwall-Jones2025-05-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Helped fix my lower back pain last year, highly recommend. Nina Champion2025-05-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had a physio appointment with Shreya. She was very warm, friendly and professional. She managed to diagnose an issue with my shoulder, which I have had for many years. Following the suggested exercises there has already been a noticeable improvement.Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 396 reviewsVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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