Physiotherapist Como

TMJ or the Temporomandibular Joints refers to the joints of the jaw, which are used frequently during eating, talking and yawning. These joints are present at either side of the jaw and are responsible for connecting the jaw to the skull. TMJ dysfunction or TMD (temporomandibular disorders) describes pain encountered within this region, either in the joints themselves or muscles responsible for controlling movement. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, a TMJ physio will be able to diagnose and treat your condition accordingly. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction vary and can occur from both direct and indirect sources. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to):

-       Pain in the jaw

-       Clicking or popping of the jaw

-       Difficulty when chewing

-       Grinding of the teeth

-       Limited jaw opening

-       Inability to clench jaw

-       Headaches or tension in the facial region

-       A blocked or ringing sensation of the ear 

If you are experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, it would be wise to seek advice from an experienced physio for TMJ pain and commence an appropriate treatment plan. 

Causes 

More often than not, the cause of TMJ dysfunction is identifiable. The joints of the jaw move both by hinging and sliding, so interruptions to such can cause the above-mentioned symptoms. Such interruptions include but are not limited to:

-       Disc derangement or displacement

-       Misalignment of the discs or joints

-       Arthritis

-       Trauma

-       Nocturnal grinding of teeth 

Diagnosis 

Before commencing an appropriate treatment plan, your TMJ physio will undertake a range of tests as part of an initial assessment including measuring the range of motion of your jaw, the coordination of your jaw joints, assessing muscle length and identifying any abnormality in movement pattern including clicking, locking or grinding. 

Treatment 

When approaching TMJ treatment, Perth-based physiotherapists will prescribe a clear explanation of your condition and an appropriate program for your situation.

TMJ Perth physiotherapist will prescribe according to your unique condition and symptoms experienced. Treatment options include various manual treatment techniques including joint mobilisation, massage and dry needling. Your physio for TMJ pain may also prescribe you exercises and jaw stretches to increase the range of motion and train the muscles of the jaw. 

Around 16% of people suffer from jaw pain requiring treatment and may not know if they should seek treatment from a doctor, dentist or physiotherapist. However, a handful of physiotherapists are qualified and highly experienced in the treatment of jaw pain, and can work alongside a dentist with the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and disorders. 

The Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ), your jaw joints, are the most used joints in your body. Located on each side of a person’s face the TMJ’s are responsible for actions related to talking, chewing, yawning, smiling and laughing. When these joints or the associated soft tissue structures are not working correctly the range of conditions that can occur are known as Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). 

What is a Temporomandibular Disorder?

TMD can be the result of a one-off injury such as a sports injury or a blow to the jaw. It can also occur due to repetitive motions causing wear and tear to the joint. TMD can also be the result of malalignment of the teeth, grinding and clenching of the jaw. This can cause the muscles around the jaw to be overworked resulting in muscle pain (myalgia) and can contribute to joint derangement. 

What are the Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder?

Some of the symptoms of TMD may include:

●        Popping, clicking and grating noises when chewing

●        Pain around the ear, cheek or temple

●        Muscles spasms around the jaw

●        Jaw tightness or limited movement

●        Earaches

●        Pain in the sinuses

●        Headaches 

 What Causes Temporomandibular Disorder?

There are many causes of TMD such as clenching and teeth grinding, or a jaw injury. Arthritic conditions are also a cause TMD, as well as dental problems such as an underbite or overbite. Some other factors that may contribute to TMD include stress, poor posture, trauma, wisdom teeth removal and neuropsychological factors. It may seem strange that poor posture could have an effect on the jaw. However, when sitting hunched over or in a slouched position it changes the bite pattern which can result in tension in the jaw.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint can be diagnosed by a qualified physiotherapist or dental practitioner. It may be include an X-ray, MRI or CT scan for further investigation. Your Physiotherapist experienced in TMD will have an additional skill set in a hands on assessment of the muscle and joint dysfunction of your TMD. 

TMJ physio includes a thorough assessment, examining the range of motion of the jaw, coordination and any excessive muscle tension. After the initial assessment your physio will provide a treatment plan to begin correcting the issues. Once diagnosed TMJ physio Perth can provide techniques to aid in the treatment and correction of the jaw joint. Some of the TMJ physiotherapy techniques and treatments available include:

●        Massage to relieve tension

●        Joint mobilisation

●        Exercises to correct jaw movement

●        Posture improvement

●        Treatment of the surrounding areas such as the neck

●        Strengthening and stretching exercises

●        Dry needling 

If the pain is related to stress, jaw clenching or teeth grinding, successful treatment can be completed in conjunction with a dentist. A night guard may be necessary to prevent damage to the teeth. In many cases with treatment however, the urge to clench reduces improving the comfort experienced in the morning. 

Although injuries can happen, especially when participating in sport, there are ways to reduce the risk of an injury occurring. Injuries can affect many areas of your life, not just the ability to play sport. Depending on the severity, an injury may lead to time off work, potentially losing income, or difficulties performing daily tasks. A Perth physio can help you get back on track after an injury, however there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of an injury occurring. 

Warm Up

Warming up and stretching before physical activity is an important step which can often be forgotten. Warming up before sport encourages flexibility and increase the joints range of motion. If this step is missed you leave the muscles, ligaments and tendons less flexible and more prone to damage. Therefore, stretching before beginning sport can significantly reduce the risk of an injury occurring, particularly when the sport you are undertaking requires increased range of motion. 

Technique

Maintaining proper technique and good form during sport is a significant aspect of injury prevention. Injuries can be prevented by making sure that you are performing sport specific actions in a correct manner. Taking the time to learn how to move correctly can reduce stress on the ankles, knees and other joints while also improving your performance. Perth physio can help with assessing your body’s movements and providing strategies to improve your technique, reducing the risk of an injury occurring. 

Hydration

Dehydration can happen quickly during physical activity if fluids are not replaced fast enough. Dehydration causes fatigue and makes the body more prone to cramps which can affect your muscles. Cramps are usually harmless overall; however, a severe cramp may cause damage to the muscles, delay recovery after exercise and reduce performance. To keep your body performing at its peak, drinking water before, during, and after sport is essential. 

Maintaining Equipment

Many injuries occur when equipment isn’t used or fitted correctly. Depending on the type of sport, it is essential to understand how to use and fit equipment safely and make a habit of checking everything before commencing. This may include items such as footwear, helmets, mouth guards and other guards and braces. 

Listening to your Body

If you start to experience any small aches, stiffness or pains, this may be the first sign that there is a problem. Ignoring these signs could result in an injury that may have been prevented. By seeking advice from Perth physiotherapy and addressing any problems, you may be able to prevent small issues from becoming a potentially long rehabilitation. 

How Can a Physio Near me Help?

A Perth physio understands the contributing factors that resulted in the initial injury occurring, whether it’s a sports injury or any other impairment. Your physio has expert knowledge and experience to help patients understand how to avoid an injury. Perth physiotherapy can provide prevention skills and advice through the following:

●        Specific sport conditioning

●        Fitness testing

●        Exercise programs

●        Fall and injury prevention

●        Weight management programs

●        Cardiovascular exercises

●        Workplace injury prevention

●        Post-operative rehabilitation

Clinically known as lateral epicondylalgia or previously epicondylitis, tennis elbow causes pain to the outside aspect of the elbow. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive strain or loading as with swinging a tennis racquet but curiously this is not the most common cause. The causes can be many and varied.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Repetitive strain and overuse of the tendons around the elbow joint cause them to become hypersensitive and at times inflamed. When overuse occurs, the tendons begin to adapt and change to the excessive loading in a way that is abnormal and pain around the elbow is often the result. The most common tendon injury to the elbow is on the lateral side and is known as ‘tennis elbow’. The same kind of injury can also occur on the inside of the elbow and is known as ‘golfer’s elbow’. Despite the name, tennis elbow can occur as a result of a variety of activities including; rowing, weightlifting, racquet sports, swimming and repetitive work from certain occupations. Understanding tennis elbow, the reasons it occurs and the tissue type involved can be very helpful when it comes to injury management for the patient.

There are two bumps at the elbow joint that can be felt when bending the arm. Tennis elbow is associated with an irritation of the tendons which anchor the forearm muscles to the bump on the outside of the elbow joint. This bump on the outside is called the lateral epicondyle. The muscles which are responsible for bending the wrist backwards are anchored to this point. This is the area responsible for tennis elbow.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of tennis elbow are often pain on the outside of the elbow which radiates to the forearm and wrist. The pain can come on gradually and is made worse by repetitive tasks. In more severe cases there may be swelling, and daily activities such as carrying grocery bags or lifting saucepans may be painful and become limited. There may also be associated neck symptoms as some patients have neck stiffness and pain that is either causing or contributing to tennis elbow.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

Physio for tennis elbow is shown to be an effective treatment in the short and long-term. Physiotherapy can help with reducing elbow pain and assisting in the repair of tissue. Physio for tennis elbow also aims to restore normal joint range of motion, strength, function and muscle length.

To achieve these goals a physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment of the elbow, neck and arm. Treatment is individualised and based on the best strategies to suit the patient’s lifestyle and symptoms. Treatment may include the following:

●        Elbow taping

●        Muscle stretches

●        Gentle mobilisation of neck and elbow joints

●        Electrotherapy

●        Massage

●        Neural mobilisation

●        Muscle strengthening

●        Dry needling

●        Specific wrist extension exercises

 Evidence has shown that physiotherapy is the most effective way to treat tennis elbow compared to other methods. If left untreated, tennis elbow can last up to two years and has a high incidence of recurrence. The majority of patients show a significant improvement within three weeks of beginning tennis elbow treatment with a qualified and experience physio.

Tennis Elbow Prevention

Whether you’re playing a sport professionally, or as a hobby, we all know injuries can occur. These injuries that arise from participation in sporting activities may be new acute injuries or may represent recurrent episodes of persistent chronic pain.

Physiotherapists have a thorough understanding of all types of sports injuries and how these conditions should be managed. Physiotherapists are highly trained to have a range of treatment options available for a given musculoskeletal problem to achieve the best outcome for each patient. Sports physio includes a range of strategies to assist with the recovery process for the athlete at any level to restore the patient to their active lifestyle as soon as possible. 

How Sporting Injuries Can Occur

Sporting injuries can happen due to many factors. Trauma caused by falls, impacts and strains often contribute to an injury. Other factors include pre-existing poor technique in an athlete’s chosen activity, postural faults, muscle imbalances and overtraining. A qualified sports physio will be able to identify the contributing factors to an athletes persistent pain and repeat injuries, allowing the clinician to restore mobility and performance and minimise time away from sport. 

Some common sporting injuries and conditions that may occur include:

●        Neck and back pain

●        Upper and lower limb pain

●        Muscle strains and tears

●        Torn ligaments or ligament sprains

●        Fractures

●        Overuse injuries

●        Joint pain

●        Bruises

 Sports Physiotherapy

Sports physiotherapy Perth assists professional and amateur sports players to perform at their best. This is done through detailed assessment, methodical treatment and management and plenty of education to ensure athletes know how to avoid their future injuries. Physiotherapists have extensive knowledge in the treatment and management of sport-related injuries and strive to rehabilitate patients as soon as possible whilst also providing tools and education for the longer term independence of patients. Sports physio Perth educates patients, helping to restore mobility and prevent further injury.

Sports physio focuses on:

●        A return to normal training and sport participation at pre-injury level

●        A streamlined recovery program

●        Correcting problems that may have contributed to the injury

●        Preventing an acute injury from becoming chronic

 Early intervention is an important part of recovering from a sports injury. The sooner treatment is started following an injury, the more likely further damage will be prevented and recovery and return to normal activity will be faster. The early stages of treatment for acute injuries are focused on protecting the injured structure where applicable, restoring normal range of movement and reducing swelling and/or pain. As treatment progresses, strengthening, stretching and movement retraining exercises will be added. Finally, there will always be specific retraining of the movements most relevant to the patient's chosen sporting activity.

 How Can Sports Physio Help?

There are a variety of physio treatments available depending on the type of sports injury. A sports physio will be able to determine the best course of treatment after a thorough assessment of the injury. Some of the treatments that may be necessary include:

●        Stretching, mobilisation and soft tissue release

●        Massage and dry needling

●        Agility and movement pattern training

●        Endurance and strength training

●        Balance exercises

●        Posture and technique correction

●        Taping and bracing

●        Gait analysis and correction 

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis there are a few things that can be done to relieve the pain.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick, strong band of soft tissue running along the base of the foot connecting the heel bone to the toes. This forms a major portion of the foot’s arch. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, tight or develops small tears, this is known as plantar fasciitis.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Often plantar fasciitis is caused by impact and running sports, particularly those which involve toe running. Plantar fasciitis can be due to overuse, poor biomechanics, weakness and overstretching, particularly when this occurs in combination with other medical conditions. Common contributing factors include:

●        High arches or flat feet

●        Sports which stress the heel bone (running, aerobics, dance)

●        Being overweight or obese

●        Ageing

●        Long periods standing

●        Arthritis

●        Pregnancy

●        Shoes with poor arch support

●        Weak foot arch or ankle muscles

●        Diabetes 

What Are the Symptoms?

Often the main symptom experienced will be pain under the heel. This can be sharp or dull. There may also be an aching or burning sensation in the sole of the foot, with or without obvious signs of inflammation such as heat or swelling. The pain is usually worse in the morning, after intense activity, with prolonged standing, or after a period of rest. The pain is often worse with the initial few steps after a rest and improves after some light activity.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated and a full recovery achieved. About 90% of people suffering from plantar fasciitis show significant improvement within two months of beginning treatment. A physiotherapist can assess and treat plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis physio may also include a recommendation to seek advice from a podiatrist depending on the contributing factors identified in your assessment. 

The plantar fascia tissue can be slow to heal depending on your general health and other medical conditions. It can take several months for some patients to recover and several different types of treatment with your physiotherapist to successfully recover from plantar fasciitis. Some patients can recover quite quickly however, particularly if the treatment starts early. Treatment will often include stretches, muscle strengthening specific to your foot and ankle, ice therapy, orthotic advice where relevant, taping and advice on activity levels specific to you.

Research has shown that successful treatment and rehabilitation for plantar fasciitis physio needs to include many stages. Initially the focus is on reducing pain, inflammation and associated symptoms as fast as possible. Later stages focus on rehabilitation through a progressive exercise program and specific guidance on appropriate activities to return to. Patients will need to gain their full range of motion back and restore foot arch muscle control to have good long term success.

Treatment may also include restoring calf and leg muscle control as well as normal foot biomechanics. It may be necessary to have a soft orthotic or custom made orthotic prescribed by a podiatrist. A footwear analysis may also be necessary to support recovery and prevent further injury.

A physiotherapist will thoroughly assess symptoms to provide an accurate diagnosis. A treatment plan can then be developed to suit the individual needs. The overall aim of treatment is to:

●        Reduce pain

●        Restore movement

●        Address any biomechanical issues

●        Improve flexibility

●        Improve strength

●        Assess running and walking style

●        Educate and advise

●        Regain the ability to participate at previous level of activity 

If you’ve never tried dry needle therapy with your Physio before, there’s no need to be nervous! Dry needling is a specialised and highly effective technique which can be carried out by a trained Physiotherapist. There’s an increasing amount of research around the efficacy of dry needling, and a 2012 study found that dry needling acupuncture was effective in treating several types of chronic pain (Vickers, Cronin, Maschino et al, 2012). Today, we’ll be looking at what you can expect with dry needle therapy through your Physiotherapist.

How does dry needling work?

A lot of people don’t like any mention of needles, so it’s good to know what to expect before your first session! Dry needling, or intramuscular stimulation (IMS), involves the use of very fine needles into a muscular ‘trigger point’ to treat myofascial pain. It’s known as dry needling because no substances are injected into the body, only the needle itself is used. During a session, the needles will stay in place for around two to five minutes depending on the specific condition and will most likely be placed directly at, or around, the site of the pain.

When the needles are applied directly to a trigger point, you may get a ‘twitch’ response, which is a contraction of the muscle, and then a dull ache in the muscle for a brief period before the muscles settles. You may also feel some tenderness in the muscle for 24-48 hours after treatment in much the same manner as with a deep tissue massage.

What does dry needling do?

Many people will begin to feel relief from their myofascial pain immediately following their dry needling session. Dry needling can decrease the tension in the muscle, which in turn reduces pain and discomfort. This process can also reduce inflammation in the area and improve circulation to help address the muscle dysfunction.

What conditions can dry needling help treat?

There are a number of conditions which can be successfully treated with the help of dry needling, including:

Acute and chronic back pain

Chronic neck pain

Tension and migraine headaches

Pelvic girdle pain

Knee osteoarthritis

Lateral elbow pain

Shoulder conditions

Is dry needling safe?

Dry needling is absolutely safe when it’s carried out by a qualified practitioner. Your Physiotherapist will use only individually packaged, sterile, single use needles for your session. If you have any concerns or questions about this treatment, please feel free to discuss these with your Physiotherapist before you begin.

At Integrity Physio, we have extensive experience with dry needling Physiotherapy to help address a number of conditions. We allow 30 minutes for each appointment to ensure a thorough, personalised experience for all of our clients. You’ll feel right at home in the comfortable surrounds of our modern clinic – we look forward to meeting you!

If you struggle with migraines or tension headaches, you understand just how debilitating they can be. If you feel like you’ve tried everything without much success, dry needling through your Physio may help. At Integrity Physio South Perth, we have extensive experience in dry needling and today we’ll be taking a closer look at how it can offer relief for migraine and headache sufferers.

Dry needling for migraines and tension headaches

Dry needle therapy involves the insertion of fine needles into tight muscle points or tight bands of muscle, also known as ‘trigger points’ to decrease tension in these muscles. With migraines and tension headaches these tight points or ‘trigger points’ are often involved. A ‘trigger point’ can simply be described as sensitive area on the body associated with a muscle and is often described as a lump or a knot in the muscle, which is painful when you place pressure on it.  

Although there can be a number of causes for migraines or chronic headaches, muscle tension in various ‘trigger points’ are often a contributing factor.  The most common muscles which could contribute to headaches include the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, temporalis and masseter. This means that the tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and jaw, not just the head, can contribute to migraines and tension headaches.

Dry needling triggers a ‘twitch’ response, which then releases tension in these muscles and patients can often feel the effects immediately.

A systematic review of the evidence completed in 2014 concluded that although more research is needed, dry needling may be a useful addition to physiotherapy when it comes to managing tension-type headaches (France, Bown, Nowosilskyj et al, 2014).

Assessment through your Physio

Before you start dry needling treatment for your headaches, your Physio will carry out a thorough assessment to ensure that this treatment option is suitable. If you present with migraines or severe headaches, this could be due to a number of causes such as hormonal changes, environmental triggers such as allergies, medications or stress. Following a thorough assessment, a treatment plan can be developed and this may include dry needling if appropriate.

What else can dry needling help with?

There are many other conditions that dry needling may be able to assist with, including:

Acute and chronic back pain

Chronic neck pain

Pelvic girdle pain

Knee osteoarthritis

Lateral elbow pain

Shoulder conditions

At Integrity Physio, we offer dry needling acupuncture, along with a range of other treatment options, as part of your individualised plan. All of our sessions are 30 minutes to allow enough time for thorough assessment, treatment and any questions you may have. We begin treatment right away from your first consultation. For a personalised experience in our exceptional facilities, make an appointment with one of our Senior Physiotherapists.

Who are Physiotherapists in South Perth?

If you suffer from joint pain you might be looking for a South Perth Physio. You‘re in safe hands with the expert team at Integrity Physiotherapy. Their knowledgeable and professional staff will take the time to give you a personalised and high quality experience to help you on the road to recovery as soon as possible. They’ll take the time to get to know you, as well as the discomfort and pain that you’re experiencing. They encourage you to ask questions at any point throughout the process to make sure you are comfortable and understand what’s causing your discomfort. Each of their Practitioners are Senior Physiotherapists with over 10 years of experience in the management of acute and chronic muscle, joint and nerve pain, so you know that you’re in safe hands.

What services do they offer?

As high quality and experienced Physio’s in Perth, they’re able to provide all patients with a whole range of services from their stunning clinic that’s not short on state-of-the-art facilities. With all appointments allowing 30 minutes with an experienced, senior staff member, you can be assured of an expert analysis, as well as plenty of education on your condition. Get a tailor-made treatment plan specific to your condition so you feel confident you’re heading in the right direction.

What conditions do they treat?

The team at Integrity Physiotherapy offer treatment options for a wide range of conditions which include:

Vertigo and dizziness

Neck pain and headaches

Jaw pain and dysfunction

Shoulder and upper limb pain

Back and hip pain

Joint replacement rehabilitation

Motor vehicle injuries such as whiplash

Arthritis

Nerve pain

Joint sprains, muscle sprains, and tendinitis

What types of treatments can you expect?

The highly skilled team believe in changing lives by providing tailored and personalised solutions. You’ll receive individualised treatment depending on the type and extent of your condition, your diagnosis, and your clinical history. Interventions may include a combination of joint mobilisation and manipulation, massage, dry needling or acupuncture, postural and ergonomic advice, specific home exercise prescription and one on one supervised exercise sessions in their on-site rehab gym. Most importantly the team at Integrity Physio South Perth will ensure you understand your condition and are satisfied with the plan for your recovery.  

What shall I do now?