Orofacial pain and TMD |
Eat, speak and swallow without pain
There are two common types of pain. Either a sharp, localized pain felt directly in the jaw joint, or a deep dragging pain that is felt anywhere in the jaw, face or head. Common areas for this type of pain include behind the eyes, unexplained sinus pain, pain in the cheekbones, pain along the jawline (like in the image above). Its also possible to feel pain in the teeth. If you have unexplained tooth pain that your dentist has cleared of pathology, it may be worth exploring referred symptoms from muscles.
Often there can be a trigger which started the pain. Common soft tissue injuries occur for many reasons such as after wisdom teeth removal, orthodontic treatment, biting into something awkwardly or a knock to the face. After an injury like this, usually the joint needs rest, a soft diet, maybe a dental splint and possibly some anti-inflammatories to help relieve the symptoms. It should improve after about 10 days. Referred pain can be severe and long term. The good news is that it can be treated and this type of pain responds well to heat and gentle exercise. Movement is an essential component of rehabilitation and can have lasting results. Many types of muscular injuries are treated with exercise rehabilitation. For example, if you sprain your ankle, you will go through a period of rest and then a period of exercise and strengthening to get it working again.
Yes, the jaw can be very complex and its worth looking deeper into factors that may contribute to your pain. If you are suffering from complex, long term pain you will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Stress management is certainly a part of this but so is posture, sleep quality, breathing and nutrition.
Often there can be a trigger which started the pain. Common soft tissue injuries occur for many reasons such as after wisdom teeth removal, orthodontic treatment, biting into something awkwardly or a knock to the face. After an injury like this, usually the joint needs rest, a soft diet, maybe a dental splint and possibly some anti-inflammatories to help relieve the symptoms. It should improve after about 10 days. Referred pain can be severe and long term. The good news is that it can be treated and this type of pain responds well to heat and gentle exercise. Movement is an essential component of rehabilitation and can have lasting results. Many types of muscular injuries are treated with exercise rehabilitation. For example, if you sprain your ankle, you will go through a period of rest and then a period of exercise and strengthening to get it working again.
Yes, the jaw can be very complex and its worth looking deeper into factors that may contribute to your pain. If you are suffering from complex, long term pain you will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. Stress management is certainly a part of this but so is posture, sleep quality, breathing and nutrition.
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Tess NorrisOral Health Therapist
Oro-myofunctional Therapist Over 10 years clinical experience working in dental practice. Trained in neuro-myofascial release followed by the application of therapeutic movements to restore normal function and address painful eating, speaking and swallowing
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How it works:
Our expertise are the face and jaw muscles. We use a targeted approach to address common areas of pain in the face, jaw and head. We use a combination of brief and specific manipulations followed by exercise prescription for lasting results. You will feel immediate relief and we will explore deeper reasons as to why you feel pain. Its a rehabilitation program for your face and jaw
This program is designed in line with modern research on treatment of jaw and face pain. We complete a full health history, integrative breathing assessment, pain mapping and functional assessment of your jaw. We target the muscles that are causing your pain and use movement and integrative breathing techniques as a healing agent. Learn about your pain and understand which symptoms need which self care techniques. This program can be extremely effective for many types of pain. Common issues we treat is unexplained tooth, sinus or ear pain, clicking joints, limited jaw opening, headaches. We can work in conjunction with your doctors and dentists for comprehensive approach. Programs usually range from four to twelve weeks depending on complexity.
Did you know that dysfunctional breathing contributes to clenching, grinding, trigger point formation as well as snoring, fatigue and forward head posture. The body has an incredible ability to heal!
Read more in our blog on myofunctional therapy and pain
This program is designed in line with modern research on treatment of jaw and face pain. We complete a full health history, integrative breathing assessment, pain mapping and functional assessment of your jaw. We target the muscles that are causing your pain and use movement and integrative breathing techniques as a healing agent. Learn about your pain and understand which symptoms need which self care techniques. This program can be extremely effective for many types of pain. Common issues we treat is unexplained tooth, sinus or ear pain, clicking joints, limited jaw opening, headaches. We can work in conjunction with your doctors and dentists for comprehensive approach. Programs usually range from four to twelve weeks depending on complexity.
Did you know that dysfunctional breathing contributes to clenching, grinding, trigger point formation as well as snoring, fatigue and forward head posture. The body has an incredible ability to heal!
Read more in our blog on myofunctional therapy and pain
Testimonials
Tess is amazing, she has taken something which I thought was going to be a life long issue and returned me to a feeling of normality. She is so thorough in her sessions and knowledgeable about the different trigger points on the body. I can now eat without pain, open my mouth close to where it was before I was injured. It’s a relief! |
- Jane
After the first session I had relief from symptoms which continued to improve by doing the stretches prescribed
- Jorji
