TMJ Therapy is a light touch soft tissue technique for relief from issues relating to disorders of the TMJ, or jaw joint.

What is TMJ disfunction?

TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint – the fancy name for your jaw joint. It is the most used joint in the body, required to perform thousands of tasks a day , such as eating, talking, sighing, yawning etc

It’s no surprise that this joint is susceptible to a huge amount of stress & strain, affecting the soft tissues which work together to sustain normal function of the joint mechanisms. It is estimated that in the UK 1 in 4 people suffer with TMJ disorder & associated symptoms.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disfunction?

There are many issues that imbalances in the TMJ can cause. Some common symptoms include:

• jaw, face, neck & shoulder pain
• frequent headaches or migraines
• popping, clicking, crunching or grinding noises in the jaw joint on opening or closing the mouth
• deep jaw pain
• difficulty opening the mouth (trismus) or moving the jaw side to side
• dizziness or vertigo
• earache with no infection
• frequently blocked or stuffy nose without infection or allergies
• sensation of “glop in the throat” (something stuck in throat)
• unevenly worn teeth
• twitching of eye or face muscles
• sleep issues
• sleep apnoea, snoring
• teeth grinding (bruxism)
• sensory sensitivities

The TMJ joint is a major balancing point that keeps us upright & balanced so, as nothing in the body works in isolation, it’s not uncommon to find imbalances & issues elsewhere in the body with TMJ disorder.

For some TMJ disfunction is an extremely painful & debilitating condition, with limited treatment options other than invasive procedures. Living with TMJ can become an emotional burden & sufferers are often prescribed antidepressants to help them cope.

What causes TMJ disorder?

Imbalances in the soft tissues that create issues related to TMJ disfunction can be caused by several factors:

• poor bite alignment
• poorly fitting dentures, crowns or filings
• occlusal imbalances
• jaw clenching – stress, anxiety, trauma
• chewing gum regularly
• injury or tissue trauma to the neck, jaw or head eg whiplash
• chronic illness, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders
• chronic mouth breathing
• straining of the soft tissues during dental work

What happens during a TMJ Therapy session?

During your session the therapist will make an initial assessment of the TMJ joint & muscles of mastication using extra oral & some intra oral palpation. You will be shown how to perform the intra oral assessment yourself if you prefer. As a soft tissue therapist I am not able to diagnose TMJ disfunction, however I can make a report from my palpation assessment should you wish to seek formal diagnosis from your dentist.

Following assessment the therapist uses a combination of fascial release techniques & trigger point therapy over shoulder, neck & face. These techniques create a release in restrictions & strains in the structures involved in TMJ function & balance.

Following treatment you will be given some simple stretches to practice at home.

What are the benefits of TMJ Therapy?

An initial course of TMJ Therapy involves 3x sessions, with the option of follow ups when required. TMJ Therapy is not intended as a quick fix – think how long it has taken your body to develop the issues you are currently experiencing!

Following an initial course of 3x treatments with TMJ therapy clients report improvements in:

• pain levels
• tension, stiffness & restriction in jaw, neck & shoulders
• improved posture & better movement
• improved sleep patterns
• reductions in pain or tension in other areas of the body, particularly hips
• reduced teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• changes in bite alignment
• reduction in frequency & intensity of headaches or migraines
• reduced photosensitivity
• better ability to breathe through the nose
• reduced brain fog

TMJ Therapy can be particularly beneficial for children & teens as it can have a positive impact on jaw development & issues such as overcrowding of teeth.

Breathing & TMJ

Our breathing apparatus is intricately linked with the structures involved in TMJ function. As a nation we are not collectively the most efficient breathers around! High rates of chronic mouth breathing, stress, sinus issues, cardiovascular issues, allergies & more can contribute to low oxygen saturation & a worsening of TMJ symptoms. As part of an initial course of TMJ Therapy treatments you will be offered assessment of your breathing & simple exercises to improve it.