What is TMJ and How Can Myofunctional Therapy Help?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ, refers to dysfunction or pain in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint allows us to perform essential functions like chewing, talking, and yawning. When issues arise with this joint, they can cause pain and discomfort, not only in the jaw but also in surrounding areas such as the face, neck, and head.
TMJ disorders can result from several factors, including:
Jaw Misalignment: When the jaw doesn’t align properly, it can place undue stress on the TMJ.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Grinding or clenching teeth can lead to TMJ pain by putting excessive pressure on the joint.
Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head can damage the joint, leading to dysfunction.
Poor Posture or Oral Habits: Mouth breathing, improper tongue positioning, or even bad posture can influence how the jaw functions, contributing to TMJ issues.
Stress: Emotional or physical stress can cause tension in the jaw muscles, aggravating TMJ pain.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Difficulty chewing
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Headaches or earaches
Limited movement of the jaw or locking of the jaw
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help with TMJ
Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat to improve oral function and reduce strain on the jaw. For those experiencing TMJ issues, myofunctional therapy can be a powerful tool in addressing the root cause of the problem, rather than just masking the symptoms.
Here’s how myofunctional therapy can help with TMJ disorders:
Correcting Oral Rest Posture: Many TMJ sufferers have poor oral resting posture, such as an open mouth or incorrect tongue placement. Myofunctional therapy teaches proper tongue positioning (on the roof of the mouth) and lip closure, which reduces strain on the jaw joint and encourages more relaxed muscles.
Breathing Retraining: Mouth breathing can exacerbate TMJ issues by encouraging tension in the jaw muscles. Myofunctional therapy helps retrain breathing patterns, encouraging nasal breathing, which promotes better jaw function and reduces pressure on the TMJ.
Jaw Muscle Relaxation: Exercises in myofunctional therapy target the muscles surrounding the jaw, neck, and face, helping to release tension. When these muscles are relaxed and functioning properly, it alleviates the stress placed on the TMJ.
Improving Swallowing Patterns: Improper swallowing patterns (such as tongue thrusting) can place stress on the TMJ over time. Myofunctional therapy helps correct these patterns, promoting a more efficient and less straining swallowing process.
By addressing these core areas, myofunctional therapy offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to TMJ treatment. It helps improve overall oral function and reduces symptoms, allowing for better jaw health and long-term relief from TMJ pain.
contact schie speech today
At Schie Speech in Virginia Beach, we take a holistic approach to TMJ treatment through myofunctional therapy. Our goal is to restore proper muscle function and oral posture, which can lead to long-term relief from TMJ symptoms.
If you’re experiencing discomfort from TMJ and want a non-invasive, effective solution, contact Schie Speech today to learn more about how myofunctional therapy can help you find relief!