What are temporomandibular disorders?

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (jaw) and the muscles that control jaw movement.
• What are the signs and symptoms of dysfunction?
  • Pain in the jaw joint or facial muscles
  • Clicking / grinding / locking in the jaw
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
  • Pain when chewing on hard food or yawning
• About 1 in 4 people are affected and these conditions appear to be more common in women than men
• For the vast majority of people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles does not signal a serious problem
• Generally, discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. The pain eventually goes away with little or no treatment. About 1 in 20 people, however, develop significant long-term symptoms.

How can Physiotherapy help?

• Alleviate pain from muscle spasm or joint stiffness using soft tissue and joint techniques
• Give advice and education on posture and habits that may be contributing to the disorder
• Provide exercises to help self-manage the condition​