Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
At Lokahi Healthcare, we understand that jaw symptoms, classified under temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can deeply impact your quality of life. It can make everyday actions like speaking, eating or yawning uncomfortable and painful. Our approach focuses on understanding your unique challenges and providing tailored care to ease your symptoms, improve jaw function and enhance overall well-being. ​​​
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​Symptoms We Help With
At Lokahi Healthcare, we help manage various TMD-related conditions, including:
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Jaw pain or stiffness
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Clicking, popping, or locking of the temporomandibular joint (jaw)
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Muscle tension or spasms in the jaw, face or neck
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Associated headaches, earaches or facial pain
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Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
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Pain triggered by teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
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What Are Causes of TMD?
TMD can develop from various factors affecting the jaw, muscles, and surrounding structures. Common causes include:
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Trauma: Direct injury to the jaw, head, or neck, including accidents or dental procedures, can put a strain on the jaw.
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Bruxism: Clenching or grinding teeth, especially during sleep, leads to increased muscle tension and joint stress.
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Poor Posture: Forward head positions or improper alignment while sitting or standing can place extra strain on the jaw and neck muscles.
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Stress and Muscle Tension: Emotional stress often results in jaw clenching or muscle spasms, contributing to discomfort.
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Arthritis: Degenerative or inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the jaw.
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Disc Displacement: Misalignment of the cushioning disc in the jaw joint can cause clicking, popping, or limited movement.
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Dental or Bite Issues: Misaligned teeth or an improper bite can create uneven pressure on the jaw, potentially leading to TMD​​
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How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Our physiotherapists take a tailored approach to treating TMD. Here’s how we help:
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Comprehensive Assessment: We identify the root cause through a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, jaw mechanics and posture. We will also assess the relationship between your neck and jaw as these are often related.
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Pain Relief Techniques: This may include manual therapy to relieve muscle tension, improve TMJ mobility and address associated structures.
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Movement Restoration: Gentle stretches and exercises to improve jaw function and reduce stiffness.
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Education and Lifestyle Guidance: Teaching patients to manage stress, avoid triggers and adopt healthy habits for long-term relief.
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Collaborative Care: Where needed, we work alongside dentists or other specialists for holistic treatment, including addressing bruxism or bite issues.
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Ready to feel better? Connect with us!
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