If you suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, you know how debilitating and frustrating it can be. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe. You may also experience headaches, ringing in the ears, difficulty eating, speaking, yawning. It can even disrupt your sleep. Perhaps you have tried many things from pain relievers to oral appliances, and yet this you still struggle. Perhaps though, there is one stone you have yet to turnover on your journey toward relief, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).  Oromyofunctional therapy, is a form of exercise therapy for the muscles in the mouth and face, has been shown to be effective in reducing TMJ pain and we have seen consistent success with our clients seeking help with this problem.

So, how exactly does myofunctional therapy help with TMJ? First, it is important to understand what causes TMJ pain. TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding, jaw clenching, poor posture, and muscle tension. Myofunctional therapy addresses these underlying issues by targeting the muscles and habits that contribute to TMJ pain. By addressing the underlying muscle issues, myofunctional therapy can help alleviate TMJ pain and improve jaw function.

Multiple studies have shown that OMT is a safe and effective strategy to help treat TMJ pain and dysfunction. In one study published in the Journal of Applied Oral Science, participants who underwent eight weeks of myofunctional therapy had significant improvements in TMJ symptoms compared to a control group. Another study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that myofunctional therapy helped improve TMJ pain and jaw function in patients with fibromyalgia.

These studies are supported by a systematic review published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. The review analyzed 27 studies on non-invasive treatments for TMJ disorders, including myofunctional therapy, and found that myofunctional therapy was effective in reducing TMJ pain and improving jaw function, with no adverse effects.

If you're interested in myofunctional therapy as a treatment option for your TMJ disorder, seek out the help certified orofacial myofunctional therapist who can develop a customized treatment plan for you. We have personally had the pleasure of helping many clients get their life back and stop their TMJ pain and dysfunction from running AND ruining their lives.  We would love to help you too.

Feel free to reach out to us to schedule a complimentary consultation or comprehensive evaluation here or give us a call at 812-549-0183.

References:

• Joveliu Busquets, E., & Grando Mattuella, L. (2016). Effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy in temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 43(10), 791-799.
• Porporatti, A. L., Costa, Y. M., Stuginski-Barbosa, J., Bonjardim, L. R., & Conti, P. C. (2015). Orofacial myofunctional therapy for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 23(3), 268-274.
• Rodrigues da Silva, M. A., de Araújo, C. M., de Oliveira, L. C., Ferreira, C. L., & Biasotto-Gonzalez, D. A. (2019). Orofacial myofunctional therapy improves jaw function and reduces pain in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 31(5), 417-423.