Tempomandibular disorders (TMD) are common ailments that many people suffer from at some point in their lives. Although symptoms are often mild and transient, approximately 10% of the population requires treatment for TMD symptoms. In women and girls, the prevalence of symptoms is more common than in men. The emergence and prognosis of symptoms are usually influenced by many physiological, psychological and behavioral background factors that can predispose, initiate and maintain TMD symptoms.
The most common symptoms of TMD are:
- Pain in the jaw joints or muscles of mastication
- Jaw pain (e.g. clicking)
- Jaw fatigue and stiffness
- Restricted mouth opening
- Movement disorders of the lower jaw
Other possible symptoms include:
- Headache
- Facial pain
- Ear pain
TMD symptoms can be muscular, articular, or a combination of these, and can be compared to other musculoskeletal symptoms in the body. Pain associated with TMD symptoms has been shown to be a similar problem to other chronic pain problems. The symptoms are most common between the ages of 35 and 50, but they also occur in school-age children, although they are usually mild and intermittent.
Rehabilitation of TMD
Rehabilitation is a key part of TMD treatment, aiming to reduce pain, improve jaw joint mobility, and normalize the function of the masticatory muscles. Various methods are used in rehabilitation, such as:
Manual therapy: Massage and soft tissue manipulation help reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation.
Joint treatments: Improve jaw joint mobility and relieve pain.
Movement exercises: Help improve the mobility of the jaw joint and neck, and strengthen the muscles.
Self-care instructions: Patients are given instructions to help them alleviate symptoms and improve jaw joint function at home.
The physiotherapist assesses the patient’s overall posture, jaw joint function, and any possible bite issues. Measurements are taken at the beginning and end of the treatment period to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
LymphaTouch as part of TMD treatment
LymphaTouch is utilized as part of comprehensive rehabilitation for TMD clients. The device, based on negative pressure technology, offers gentle and effective treatment that can help even during the first session. However, a longer treatment period is usually necessary to achieve the best results.
Why LymphaTouch?
- Gentle treatment method: The device treatment is perceived as painless, even for those who may find manual therapy painful.
- Safe for the facial area: Mechanical negative pressure and vibration are safe for the facial area and help soften tight tissue structures.
- Versatile use: The device can also treat the neck and shoulder area thanks to adjustable negative pressure and different cup sizes.
LymphaTouch offers an effective and painless dimension to TMD symptom treatment.
Patient story
Treatment of chronic muscles of mastication and neck tension
Two clients had long-term issues due to bruxism, causing chronic tension in the muscles of mastication and neck-shoulder area. The range of motion in the neck and jaw joint was limited, and the quality of jaw joint movement was impaired (unilateral lateral deviation) along with clicking. There were also pain points at the base of the skull.
Treatment Protocol:
- 60 min LymphaTouch: LymphaTouch was used to treat the base of the skull, masticatory muscles (masseter, temporalis, pterygoid muscles), and sternocleidomastoid muscle. LymphaTouch was used with a pulsation setting, with negative pressures of 90-200 mmHg. For the base of the skull, 150-200 mmHg was used, and for the masticatory muscles, 90-130 mmHg. The treatment started with light negative pressures, and the intensity was increased according to the client’s sensation.
- Manual soft tissue manipulation
- Gentle upper neck mobilization
Results: In both cases, the quality of jaw joint movement improved significantly, deviation decreased clearly, and the range of motion in the neck improved. Pain was significantly reduced. Patients’ comments: “Clearly softer and not as painful anymore.”
The customer story was shared by physiotherapist Jenni Soikkeli (@purenta.fysio.jenni)
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