Maxillofacial SIG
Maxillofacial physiotherapy
Maxillofacial physiotherapy is a specialty dedicated to the rehabilitation of dysfunctions of the jaw, face, and neck. It allows the treatment of acute or chronic pathologies affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles, as well as disorders related to facial paralysis, oro-facial pain, and post-surgical sequelae.
Main pathologies
- Maxillofacial traumas (mandibular fractures, TMJ dislocations, facial contusions)
- Acute TMJ dysfunction (mandibular blockage, sudden limitation of mouth opening, dislocation)
- Acute muscle pains (masticatory myalgias, post-operative or post-traumatic contractures)
- Post-operative complications (edemas, stiffness, motor deficit after orthognathic surgery, tooth extraction or ENT surgery)
- TMJ dysfunction (TMJ algo-dysfunctional syndrome, TMJ arthritis)
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching causing muscle and joint pain)
- Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy, sequelae of surgery, central or peripheral neurological conditions)
- Oro-myofunctional disorders (poor swallowing habits, sucking and phonation disorders)
- Chronic oro-facial pains (trigeminal neuralgia, tension headaches, associated cervical pains)
- Associated ENT and postural pathologies (sleep apnea, postural disorders related to maxillofacial dysfunctions)
- Oncology: in case of face cancer (mouth, facial bones, skin)
Target Audience
- Adults and children suffering from pain or dysfunction of the ATM
- Patients in post-operative rehabilitation after maxillofacial or ENT or orthognathic surgery
- People with bruxism or oro-myofunctional disorders
- Patients suffering from facial neuralgias or tension headaches
- Athletes or musicians with excessive muscle tension in the oro-facial region
- Patients with sleep apnea requiring orofacial muscle strengthening
- Patients affected by cancer of the face, skull bones or skin
Rehabilitative treatment
Generalities
Maxillofacial physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve oro-facial function. Treatment includes a detailed assessment of muscular, articular, and postural disorders, followed by targeted rehabilitation.
- Jaw, face, and neck pain
- Cracking, popping, or locking of the TMJ
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Oro-facial muscle fatigue
- Sensations of tension or tightness in the maxillofacial region
- Phonation, swallowing, or breathing disorders
- Associated headaches and cervical pain
- Manual therapy: gentle mobilizations of the TMJ, muscle stretches, myofascial release
- Massages and lymphatic drainage techniques: reduction of muscle tension and postoperative edema
- Biofeedback: control and relaxation of oro-facial muscles
- Oro-facial muscle rehabilitation: strengthening of the muscles of mastication and swallowing
- Coordination and motor control exercises: improvement of facial symmetry and oro-motor functions
- Posture and breathing exercises: correction of postural imbalances influencing the TMJ
- Relaxation and stress management techniques: to reduce bruxism and oro-facial tensions
- Mirror for facial symmetry work
- Elastic bands and resistances for muscle strengthening
- Biofeedback devices
- Massage and myofascial stimulation tools
- Mandibular orthoses in collaboration with dentists and orthodontists
The duration of treatment varies according to the pathology:
- Acute: 4 to 6 sessions on average
- Chronic: follow-up for several weeks to several months, with maintenance sessions if necessary
- Post-operative: 4 to 12 weeks depending on the intervention and the patient's progress
Patients Associations
• International Society of Oro-Maxillo-Facial Lingual Kinesitherapy : https://siklomf.fr
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