Temporomandibular Joint TMJ Pain Relief With Bowen Therapy By Benjamin Setter
What Is Your Temporomandibular Joint?
The Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ is the most used joint in the whole body. Your Temporomandibular joint or known as TMJ is like a hinge that attaches the jaw to the skull. It is important in eating, talking, breathing, and facial expressions… When a problem develops with your T.M.J it is known as Temporomandibular Disorder or abbreviated to T.M.D.
T.M.J Dysfunction & Symptoms
In no way does everyone experience jaw pain or tenderness with T.M.J dysfunction. The symptoms range from audible jaw clicking, popping, grinding, and a limit on how far you can open your jaw. It also results in an inability to fully clench your jaw. Jaw deviation is also a very common when opening the mouth.
Clients with T.M.D. often suffer with teeth grinding or clenching. T.M.D can cause regular regular neck pain, jaw aches, headaches, ear pain, and dizziness. Some T.M.J. clients report that their jaw pain is so extreme that they have the inability to eat or talk. Various levels of Tinnitus or ear ringing can be a symptom with T.M.J dysfunction.
What Are The Causes Of Temporomandibular Disorder? (T.M.D)
T.M.J. dysfunction is a musculoskeletal disorder that is very complex and must be treated at such.
The Causes Of T.M.D. Include:
- Dysfunction of the Masticatory muscle.
- Displacement of the T.M.J. articular disc.
- Bruxism which is the grinding or teeth at night that leads to increased problems in T.M.J. movement.
- Occlusal disfunction resulting in poor bite, Asymmetrical or underbite or overbite.
What are the contributory factors?
Mandibular alignment problems from Dental or Orthodontic treatment.
Teeth Removal,
Prolonged mouth being held open during dental procedure,
Poor cervical (Neck) posture,
Myofascial, Neuropsychological contributing issues,
Stress and anxiety,
Whiplash,
Other causes may include blows to the chin, to the top of the head, infection, polyarthritis, tumors & anatomical abnormalities.
What Are TMJ Dysfunction Classifications?
The most common presentations of TMJ dysfunction are classified in three clinical diagnostic groups:
- Jaw muscle disorder characterised by painful movement.
- Articular disc displacement.
- Arthritis pain in TMJ
How is TMJ Dysfunction Diagnosed?
TMJ dysfunction can be diagnosed by your General Practitioner who will refer you to a Dental Practitioner or Dental Specalist or a physiotherapist who had advanced training in TMJ issues. They may recommend dental X-rays, CT Scan or MRI to further investigate your condition. Once the condition has been diagnosed consider contacting your Bowen Therapy Practitioner for treatment.
TMJ Assessment
During your TMJ examination, your TMJ Physiotherapist or Bowen Therapist will assess your:
Jaw range of motion,
Muscle tension and length,TMJ co-ordination and movement pattern.
TMJ movement problems may include
Muscle disorder,
TMJ Joint disorder comprising of hypermobility, stiffness and arthritis,
TMJ disc displacement disorder comprising of an intermittent or permanent lock,
Cervical spine posture issues.
TMJ Closing problems may include
A locked open joint which can be manipulated open.
Occlusion problem which may require a bite assessment from your Dentist.
What is the TMJ Treatment With Bowen Therapy?
With the arrival of Bowen Therapy, there is another bowstring to help with TMJ Disorders. After your TMJ assessment your Bowen Therapist will commence corrective treatment. Bowen Therapy treatment is normally very successful for the treatment of TMJ opening and closing disorders, due to the problem being a movement disorder that is affected by your muscles and joint control. As Bowen Therapy is a set system of small moves, the technique is a gentle, fast and effective way to treat muscle and connective tissue disorders. The Bowen Therapy client can, within 8 to 12 weeks enjoy a level of normal TMJ function. Your Dentist maybe involved in the management of TMJ closing disorders. A good example is bruxism due to the the addition of teeth occlusion. You Dentist may have already prescibed an occlusion splint or bite plate.
If you are unsure what treatment direction is best for you, we recommend that you seek the advice of your Bowen Therapy Practitioner for T.M.J pain, clicking, or lack of motion when opening your mouth. Also consider Bowen Therapy after seeing your Dentist for procedures.
Here you will find a link to Julian Baker Bowen Therapy U.K… Who is demonstrating the T.M.J. Procedure.
TMJ exercises and treatment may include:
Bowen Therapy + Posture improvement, neck treatment, and Relaxation exercises
Your specific exercises will generally be prescribed following a TMJ Bowen Therapy Treatment.
Summary
Every case of TMJ dysfunction is different… So please check with your G.P. or your Senior Bowen Therapy Practitioner in Townsville on what treatment plan is best for you.
What To Avoid With TMJ Dysfunction?
Until you seek professional advice we recommend you avoid the following:
Uncontrolled wide open mouth, eg yawning,
Biting hard foods
Eating tall burgers or tall sandwiches
Chewing gum,
Nail biting,
Jaw leaning,
Stress,
Biting pens or pencils.
Where to get help
• Bowen Therapist
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Physiotherapist
About The Author
Benjamin Setter is a trailblazer for Bowen Therapy! He is now a recognised Specialist in Bowen Therapy and with over 30 + years experience and having performed more then 40 000 individual Bowen treatments his experience in this field is unparalleled.
Benjamin has been fortunate to spend his entire professional career as a Bowen Therapist… He lives and breaths this wonderful healing modality. Having opened the first Bowen Therapy clinic in his home town of Townsville Australia and received his Diploma from Mr and Mrs Ossie & Elaine Rentsch back in 1991. Benjamin has not sat idle as he specialised in helping those needing Chronic Pain Relief Management!
He has continued to study in line with the changing face of The Bowen Therapeutic Technique in Australia and have attained a Certificate IV in Bowen Therapy, and the Diploma of Specialised Bowen Therapy from the Border College Of Natural Therapies this training is now provided by Bowen Training Australia. To top it all he finally trained as an Instructor of Bowen Therapy, but due to the wonders of Fatherhood he has chosen not to continue at this time… Today he still works tirelessly to bring the pain relief benefits of Bowen Therapy to the attention of his clients in Townsville and the global internet community via Facebook & LinkedIn.
Setter’s Health Centre Townsville has helped clients for over 27 years and offers a relaxed and professional environment for Bowen Therapy treatment and massage.
Our location to the new premises at 3/55 Anne Street, Aitkenvale, Townsville in 2023.
For more information on the benefits of Bowen Therapy, Phone 07 4728 8800 or contact us today about a session tailored specifically for you.
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