9 Physiotherapy Exercises for TMJ Pain Relief in Whitemud Crossing
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain in Whitemud Crossing affects many people and can significantly disrupt daily life. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull, allowing for movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders are relatively common, and physiotherapy exercises can be a vital part of managing and relieving pain. Below are nine effective exercises to help alleviate TMJ discomfort in Whitemud Crossing.
1. Goldfish Exercises (Partial Opening)
Goldfish exercises target TMJ stiffness and help increase the range of motion. By partially opening and closing your mouth in a controlled motion, you work on relaxing the muscles around the jaw joints. This can improve flexibility and reduce joint discomfort.
2. Relaxed Jaw Exercise
This exercise involves slowly opening and closing your mouth while keeping your teeth apart and your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth. By focusing on relaxing the muscles around the jaw, this exercise helps ease tightness, offering pain relief for the TMJ.
3. Goldfish Exercises (Full Opening)
Full-opening goldfish exercises stretch the jaw muscles by opening the mouth as wide as possible while keeping the tongue pressed to the roof of the mouth. This helps reduce tension in the jaw and improves mobility, which can alleviate TMJ discomfort.
4. Chin Tucks
Chin tucks involve gently tucking your chin toward your chest while keeping your head and neck straight. Holding this position for several seconds can relieve tension in the jaw muscles and improve posture, which often contributes to TMJ pain.
5. Resisted Opening of the Mouth
This exercise strengthens the muscles that control the jaw's movement. To perform it, place your index fingers under your chin and gently try to open your mouth against the resistance. This helps in reducing tension around the TMJ.
6. Resisted Closing of the Mouth
To help strengthen the muscles that close your jaw, try resisted closing. Using a resistance device, gently attempt to close your mouth. The resistance will engage the jaw muscles and help reduce pain over time.
7. Side-to-Side Jaw Movement
For this exercise, open your mouth slightly and move your jaw from side to side. Focus on keeping your teeth slightly apart and ensure smooth, slow movements. This can help stretch and relax the muscles supporting the TMJ.
8. Forward Jaw Movement
In this exercise, you slightly open your mouth and shift your lower teeth forward over your upper teeth. Hold the position for 10 seconds before slowly returning to neutral. This exercise targets tension in the TMJ, offering relief for tight jaw muscles.
9. Other Ways to Manage Your TMJ Pain in Whitemud Crossing
Along with exercises, various techniques can help manage TMJ pain, such as:
- Applying cold or heat pads to the affected area.
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods that put additional strain on the jaw.
- Maintaining good posture throughout the day.
- Managing stress to reduce muscle tension around the TMJ.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for TMJ Pain in Edmonton
Regular physiotherapy treatment can effectively address TMJ disorders. Therapointe Physiotherapy, based in Edmonton, offers personalized programs to target TMJ pain and improve jaw mobility in Whitemud Crossing. Physiotherapists will guide you through exercises and treatments designed to reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles, and restore normal jaw mechanics.
Direct Billing for Physiotherapy Services in Whitemud Crossing
At Therapointe Physiotherapy, we understand that managing healthcare costs can be a concern. That’s why we offer direct billing services to make it easier for you to receive the care you need. With direct billing, your physiotherapy treatment costs are sent directly to your insurance provider, so you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket or submitting claims. This convenient service allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial management.
Direct billing is available for most insurance plans. If you are unsure whether your plan qualifies, we can help check your coverage details. Whether you're dealing with TMJ pain or another musculoskeletal issue, our team in Edmonton is ready to assist with your physiotherapy needs.
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