Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a set of more than 30 conditions that cause jaw joint and muscle discomfort. “TMDs” are disorders caused by the temporomandibular joint (“TMJ”). Everyone has two TMJs, one on each side of the head just in front of the ears. Muscles and ligaments surrounding and attached to the TMJ control its movement. Problems with any of these structures can lead to TMDs.
There are several different types of TMDs, but all involve pain or discomfort in the jaws, face, or neck. TMDs can also cause problems with chewing, biting, or swallowing. Some people with TMDs also have headaches or earaches. TMDs are very common.
Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include pain in the jaw joint, pain in the muscles around the jaw, locking of the jaw, and clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth. Most cases of TMD are caused by problems with how the teeth fit together (called malocclusion), but other causes can include arthritis, injuries to the jaw, and infections.
Yes, you can still benefit from physiotherapy even if you don’t have any specific injuries or conditions. Physiotherapy can help improve overall physical fitness, flexibility, strength, and posture. It can also provide guidance on injury prevention, optimal movement patterns, and performance enhancement for various activities or sports. Additionally, physiotherapists can offer education and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing future musculoskeletal issues.
Yes, physiotherapy can help prevent sports injuries by assessing movement patterns, identifying areas of weakness or imbalance, and prescribing exercises and strategies to improve strength, flexibility, and biomechanics. Additionally, physiotherapists can provide education on injury prevention techniques and proper training practices.
Physiotherapy can bring about some expected side effects, like fatigue, tenderness and even muscle soreness. While these sensations are normal to experience during treatment sessions which involve mobilization and strengthening of the affected area, they may result in a bit more discomfort than usual after each session.
Other potential side effects of physiotherapy may include mild headaches or dizziness if the treatment involves the manipulation of the neck or head. Some people may experience short-term muscle spasms or stiffness after a physiotherapy session. These side effects are usually minor and should be resolved within a few days.
In rare cases, physiotherapy may aggravate pre-existing conditions or cause new injuries. It’s crucial to inform your physiotherapist of any pre-existing conditions or injuries you have before starting physiotherapy treatment.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a type of manual therapy that involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into the muscle tissue to release tension and relieve pain. It is a form of acupuncture, but it focuses more specifically on the muscles rather than the traditional Chinese acupuncture points.
IMS is based on the theory that chronic pain is often caused by muscle shortening, which puts pressure on nerves and causes pain signals to be sent to the brain. By inserting needles into the shortened muscle fibers, IMS can stimulate a healing response and help to release the tension in the muscle tissue, thereby reducing pain and restoring normal movement.
IMS is typically performed by a trained practitioner, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, who will assess the patient’s muscle tension and pain levels before inserting the needles. The needles are usually left in place for a few minutes, and the treatment may be repeated several times over the course of several weeks to achieve optimal results.
No, there is no specific exercise that can increase your height once your growth plates have closed. Height is primarily determined by genetics and growth factors during childhood and adolescence. While certain exercises, such as those focused on improving posture and core strength, can help optimize your height potential by maximizing your posture and spinal alignment, they will not actually make you physically taller.
If you are preparing for pelvic floor physiotherapy, you should go to the bathroom before your appointment. You may also want to wear loose-fitting clothing for better mobility. Please let your physiotherapist know about any health conditions or pelvic floor problems you have.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can be effective in helping with incontinence. Our Physiotherapists will help create a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for you. With their help, you can start making progress and achieve your goals!
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be done at home, but you should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist first because often people are not getting good contractions or relaxation without cueing. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a treatment plan that includes pelvic floor exercises, education on how to manage your symptoms, and lifestyle changes.
Kegels and pelvic physiotherapy are related but they are not the same. Kegels are specific exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles and can be performed independently. Pelvic physiotherapy, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach provided by a pelvic physiotherapist, involving assessment, treatment, and management of pelvic conditions, which may include Kegel exercises as part of the overall treatment plan. While Kegels focus on exercising the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic physiotherapy encompasses a broader range of techniques and therapies tailored to individual needs.
IMS can be used to treat headaches and migraines, especially if they are caused by tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles. By targeting these areas with acupuncture needles, IMS can help release tension and promote circulation, which may alleviate headache symptoms.
In some cases, headaches and migraines may also be caused by trigger points or knots in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. IMS can be used to release these trigger points, which may provide relief from headache symptoms.
It is important to note that IMS may not be effective for all types of headaches and migraines. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine if IMS is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition, and may recommend other treatments or therapies in addition to IMS. It is also important to consult with a healthcare practitioner if you experience frequent or severe headaches, as they may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
