How can Myotherapy help my jaw pain?
Jaw pain is a common yet often misunderstood ailment that can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether it's a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation, jaw pain can interfere with eating, speaking, and even sleeping. One of the effective treatments gaining recognition for addressing this issue is Myotherapy. In this blog, Tom a Myotherapist in Geelong will explore what Myotherapy is, how it works, and its specific benefits for alleviating jaw pain.
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal pain. It involves a combination of techniques including manual therapy, trigger point therapy, dry needling, stretching, and corrective exercises. Myotherapists are trained to identify and address the underlying causes of pain, often providing relief for chronic conditions and injuries.
Causes of Jaw Pain
Jaw pain can stem from various sources, including:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD): A condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement.
Bruxism: Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.
Dental Issues: Problems such as tooth decay, abscesses, or misalignment.
Injury: Trauma to the jaw or face.
Stress: Leading to muscle tension in the jaw.
How Myotherapy Helps with Jaw Pain
Myotherapy addresses jaw pain by targeting the muscles and soft tissues involved. Here’s how it works:
Assessment: Tom aka The Manx Myo will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the jaw pain. This includes examining posture, muscle function, and range of motion. Tom will ask a number of questions relating to your jaw pain to help try and establish a possible cause.
Trigger Point Therapy: Often, jaw pain is linked to trigger points—hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscle. Myotherapy uses direct pressure to deactivate these points, reducing referred pain and muscle tension.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, stretching, and mobilisation help improve blood flow, reduce muscle stiffness, and enhance tissue health around the jaw.
Dry Needling: This involves inserting fine needles into trigger points to relieve pain and improve muscle function.
Corrective Exercises: During the treatment Tom can give your home exercises to help further elevate the jaw pain and help strengthen the muscles around the jaw ultimatly preventing future pain.
Education and Lifestyle Advice: Tom can provide guidance on how to manage stress, improve ergonomics, and incorporate relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension.
Benefits of Myotherapy in Geelong
Pain Relief: By targeting the root cause of the pain, Myotherapy can provide significant and lasting relief.
Improved Functionality: Techniques used in Myotherapy help restore normal function and range of motion in the jaw.
Non-Invasive Treatment: Myotherapy offers a non-surgical and drug-free approach to managing pain.
Holistic Approach: By considering the whole body, Myotherapy not only addresses jaw pain but also related issues that might be contributing to the discomfort.
Prevention of Recurrence: With a focus on correcting underlying issues and strengthening muscles, Myotherapy helps prevent the return of jaw pain.
What to Expect During a Myotherapy Session
During your first Myotherapy session, expect a detailed assessment of your medical history, lifestyle, and specific symptoms. Tom will palpate the jaw and surrounding areas to identify trigger points and areas of tension. Treatment sessions typically last between 30 to 60 minutes, and the number of sessions required depends on the severity and cause of the jaw pain.
Jaw pain can be debilitating, but Myotherapy offers an effective and holistic approach to relief. By focusing on the muscles and soft tissues, Myotherapy not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying causes, helping to improve overall function and prevent future issues. If you’re struggling with jaw pain, consider booking a session with Tom here in Geelong to explore this natural and non-invasive treatment option. Book online with Tom here