Head, Jaw and Neck Maxillofacial Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

We provide targeted physiotherapy treatments to patients suffering with symptoms affecting the head and/or the neck.
 
The neck or cervical spine is important for the stability and posture of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the whole head, but also, for the information sent through nerves, such as the trigeminal nerve controlling muscles around the jaw.
Any chronic pain or mechanical dysfunction of the cervical spine could cause pain on the face, TMJ but also could affect the way muscles contract around the jaw.  

Relationships between TMJ, neck and eye movements

There are relationships between neck, TMJ and eye movements due to cranial nerve interactions within the brain stem. This could explain vision changes (such as blurry vision) noticeable sometimes when there is chronic jaw pain.
Also, reflex disturbances affecting eyes and neck movement could be noticed.  
 
Our physiotherapists recognise the intrinsic connections between eye movement, cranio-cervical posture and jaw (TMJ) and specialise in locally treating aberrations that stem from with this interplay.

What do we treat?

We improve symptoms within the head and neck related to:

• Cranial nerve interactions within the brain stem
• Reflex disturbances, such as cervico-ocular reflex disturbances
• Trigeminal cervical complex disturbances related to abnormal skull or cervical spine posture

Symptoms could be such as:

• Jaw and cervical dystonia related to musculoskeletal and mechanical dysfunction
• Headaches / migraines: temporal, above & behind eyes, pressure sensation on the skull, sensitivity to light
• Chronic neck pain, loss of movement, abnormal cervical posture
• Vertigo related to eye movements
• Facial pain such as trigeminal pain
• TMJ dysfunction: jaw pain, teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
• Reduced mouth opening
• Ear pain, tinnitus & hearing loss related to spine and TMJ
• Chronic visual discomfort: ongoing visual fatigue despite proper regular eye assessment, glasses and vision therapy

Basis of Maxillofacial physiotherapy treatment

• The treatment is holistic, comprehensive and evidence-based
• Maxillofacial physiotherapy is safe and suitable for everyone as therapy is tailored to the needs and requirements of each individual.
• Thorough assessments of the muscular system are to ensure successful treatments
• Collaborative work with eye, head and neck specialists: treatment success relies also on close cooperation involving different healthcare providers. Our specialised clinic works closely with medical specialists of the head and neck. Our physiotherapist will refer to the eye doctors (ophthalmologist, optometrist), dental specialists (dentist, maxillofacial surgeon etc.) and neurologists for review throughout treatment progress. Should other investigations or opinions be required patient could also be referred to GP.

Treatment Goals?

• Effective head and neck treatment while avoiding “compensatory mechanisms” caused by «local» treatment such as:

• ○
  Better vision but chronic neck pain causing chronic pain medication
• ○
  Improved “temporary” neck pain but increased difficulty with eye position (vision more blurry) causing difficulty to adjust proper correction of glasses

• Different areas (head and neck symptoms) improved simultaneously
• Long-term results
• Improved patient quality of care and satisfaction