An oldie, but a goodie! A few years ago, I was asked to do a podcast on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and how it relates to singers. The podcast aired on The Full Voice, a site which provides resources to vocal teachers and singers all over the world. Many people may not realize the extent to which the TMJ and the surrounding musculature impacts your vocals as a singer, and many people don't know that Physiotherapists treat the jaw!
TMJ dysfunction can manifest as headaches, jaw, face or neck pain, and can impact eating, talking and breathing. A physiotherapy assessment of the TMJ will look at posture, neck function, previous history or trauma (car accident, dental surgery or physical trauma) and poor oral habits. Often TMJ dysfunction can have symptoms such as clicking, clunking, or deviation of the jaw with opening and closing. Treatments usually will include manual therapy of the jaw and neck (soft tissue release and joint mobilizations), IMS/dry needling, exercises and education on posture and good oral habits.
Check out the podcast (link below) to hear lots on TMJ dysfunction, and how it relates to singers! Happy singing!
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