Did you know that 80% of TMJ (jaw joint) pain is muscular in origin?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), one of the most used (and abused) joints in the body, is supported by a set of muscles that guides its movement. These muscles can get quite ‘protective’ when asked to work in a challenging or ‘dysfunctional’ manner. That protective pain response can be constant, extremely distressing and cause joint pain or discomfort, headaches, neck tension and limits food choices.
As well as treating the symptoms, finding out the ‘why’ is an important part of pain and dysfunction resolution. Managing TMJ pain and muscular dysfunction often requires a multidisciplinary approach, but the rehabilitation and education can be life-changing!
Orofacial myofunctional therapy can help to improve muscular function, encourage balance when eating and swallowing and can significantly improve discomfort. Clients are often referred for this by concerned practitioners as part of a team approach to improved health or are welcome to self-refer for an initial assessment.
