WHAT IS THE TMJ?
The jaw is also known as the TMJ or Temporo-Mandibular Joint. It can be painful as the result of injury, inflammatory disease, poor postures and habits or growth disorders.
The TMJ is made up of several parts: the lower jaw (or mandible) and the socket (or temporal bone). In between the mandible and the socket is a disc. The disc allows the joint to glide smoothly on opening and closing. The joint is also held in place by muscles and ligaments.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ problems, although not everyone gets pain.
Symptoms can include:
■ Pain in the jaw joints and facial muscles
■ Clicking, grinding or locking of the jaw
■ Headaches & Dizziness
■ Difficulty opening or closing the mouth comfortably
■ Pain on talking, chewing (especially hard food) & yawning
■ Ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) & hearing loss
There are a number of causes and frequently it is a combination of these rather than one single cause:
■ Trauma, for example a blow to the jaw either directly to the joint or elsewhere on the jaw.
■ Overactivity of the jaw muscles. This can occur from continuous clenching or grinding the teeth.
■ Wear and tear of the cartilage inside in the joint
■ Arthritis
■ Increased sensitivity to pain linked to stress
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION?
THE LDN PHYSIO
6-WEEK TMJ RELIEF PROGRAMME
Our TMJ 6-week Programme has been developed specifically for our patients suffering from TMJ pain. It is designed around 3 main goals:
1. Relieve pain, clicking and locking
2. Minimise stiffness / dislocation
3. Restore normal function and mobility of the TMJ
Our specialist physiotherapists with years of experience treating TMJ problems will work with you to design a bespoke rehab plan according to the initial issues diagnosed in your initial assessment.
Our 6-week plan allows continuous rehab sessions (these can be once or at times even twice weekly), and also covers any type of treatment modality: physiotherapy, sports massage, acupuncture, gym-based training as well as your personal home programme on our exercise app for when you're home.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
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A full and comprehensive assessment starts at taking a history from your symptoms.
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A full Physiotherapy physical examination in relationship to your pain, day to day symptoms
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Postural assessment and a strength assessment into your jaw muscles but also neck, shoulder and back
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Full cervical assessment, especially in relation to any headaches you may be getting
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A full neural / nerve assessment when required
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An assessment into the bones of your jaw, especially in relation to any imbalance, size difference or angles
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When required we will talk to your dentist or refer you to the dentists and bite alignment specialists we work with, especially if you tend to grind your teeth at night (bruxism) or we suspect your jaw pain might be caused by the way your teeth / bite aligns.
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A comprehensive analysis of your pain management techniques
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Continuous sessions in the clinic within the 6 weeks: the frequency of your sessions will be dependent on your rehab needs
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Access to all our treatment modalities
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A review after 6-week to ensure that any remaining symptoms are addressed
OUR TMJ TEAM
At LDN PHYSIO we are proud of our holistic approach when assessing and treating each patient that comes into our clinic. When required during your rehabilitation, we can rely on the wide skillset of our TMJ team. You may also see other members of our team, such as massage therapists, osteopaths - or be referred to the dental specialists we work with.
TMJ RELIEF
6-WEEK PROGRAMME
£515
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CONTINUOUS REHAB & TREATMENT SESSIONS IN CLINIC THROUGHOUT THE 6 WEEKS
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ALL TREATMENT MODALITIES INCLUDED: physio, massage and soft tissue work, acupuncture, gym-based rehab, percussive therapy, joint mobilisations...
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PERSONAL PROGRAMME UPLOADED ONTO OUR APP
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TEXT/EMAIL SUPPORT
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SEAMLESS REFERRAL TO DENTIST OR BITE ALIGNMENT SPECIALIST AS NEEDED
BOOK ONTO OUR 6-WEEK TMJ PROGRAMME TODAY
THE LDN DIFFERENCE
TRULY TAILORED INTERVENTION
Our clinicians will go above and beyond to ensure you get the best out of your intervention. With experience as senior clinicians in the NHS, in private clinics, Premiere League clubs and in some of the biggest firms in the City - we're confident with can get you back on track towards achieving your own unique goals as soon as feasible.
INNOVATIVE REHAB EXPERIENCE
Our systems are simple and effective, and our treatments based on the latest evidence. Book, pay, change appointments in 2 secs. Forget stickmen drawings, we'll get you on our exercise app which integrates with your phone, smartwatch and allows communication with your physio when not in clinic.
SUPPORTIVE & LISTENING
We want your experience to be as seamless as possible. Because results only come with commitment, we support you when you leave the clinic too. Stay in touch with your clinician via video, email or messenger; get the answers to your questions as soon as they come up and stay on track in between sessions.