Orofacial
physiotherapy

At VondelFysio, we’re experts in jaw, and jaw-related complaints, also called orofacial ailments.

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We can help

We will examine any problems you may be experiencing with the chewing system, also called temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Lots of things contribute to the onset and continuation of jaw complaints; this can range from oral habits (often wetting your lips or sucking in your cheeks) to various stressors, neck injuries, or even a recently pulled tooth. The most common (conscious and unconscious) bad habits are grinding your teeth and/or clamping (bruxism).

Fixing the problem

Problems related to the grinding or clamping of the teeth are pretty easy to diagnose by a simple oral examination. The examination often reveals increased muscle tension in the jaw and the presence of trigger points or more or less flattened teeth.

It is important to remember that, like everything else, the orofacial area doesn’t operate in isolation; it is profoundly affected by mouth habits, degree of stress, TMD pain, and referred pain from the spinal column and neck muscles.

This often makes it difficult to assess the exact cause of your jaw ailments. During your intake, the physiotherapist will carefully gauge your level of pain and dysfunction (in your chewing system, I mean, there are other therapists for your other dysfunctions.)

Complaints

The following complaints fall within the domain of orofacial issues:

  • Pain in the chewing muscles (cheek- temporal- head region);
  • Restrictions in opening the mouth (whether with or without problems in closing the mouth);
  • Tinnitus;
  • Pressure on the ear;
  • Neck pain;
  • Dizziness;
  • Facial pain or altered feeling in the face;
  • Difficulty when swallowing, noises when opening and closing the mouth (popping or rattling sounds);
  • Grinding or clamping of the teeth.

After the first treatment, the physiotherapist will, among other things, give you a number of self-mobilization massage exercises to relax the chewing muscles and to enlarge the mouth opening.

Manipulating by manual therapists is laid down in the Individual Health Care Professions Act and may only be performed by a certified manual therapist.
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