Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are an extremely common group of conditions affecting the jaw joints, known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This group of conditions are an extremely common cause of jaw pain which is typically localised over one or both the jaw joints/TMJs and often associated with other symptoms, including jaw joint clicking, grinding and jaw locking which can cause problems with common activities such as mouth opening, chewing, biting, yawning, laughing and kissing.

Typically, TMDs are caused due to trauma to the jaw due to extended mouth opening, following a visit to the dentist, chewing or biting down on hard foods like apples and meat. Other causes of TMDs include a direct blow to the face or inflammation within the jaw joint as well as osteoarthritis.

Jaw pain is usually associated with a TMD however other less common causes of jaw pain include ear, nose and throat problems, dental problems, neck problems and nerve problems. Rarely more serious conditions associated with the heart, blood vessels or brain amongst others can also be involved which is why prompt assessment is always recommended. Read more

How’s that New Year Resolution going?

As the new year begins and many of us have reflected on the year that was, some of us have started planning for the year ahead. The New Year’s resolution is a delightful promise we make to ourselves come January 1st. It’s like a friendly pact with ourselves, where we set goals to enhance our lives or embrace positive habits. Whether it’s committing to regular exercise, adopting a healthier diet, prioritizing self-care or even smiling more, it’s a cheerful tradition to kickstart positive changes in the upcoming year. However, it’s an all to familiar tale that starts with great enthusiasm but loses spark as the calendar pages turn.  

In January, gym memberships increase by 10-15% and of these new memberships only 18% are seen to use the gym consistently – meaning 4 out of 5 January sign ups end up paying for no reason. Additionally, home exercise equipment sales also experience a substantial uptick of around 20%. It’s fair to presume that much of this equipment will follow a similar suit where a considerable portion will become nothing more than dust collectors.

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Running is a great way to exercise and with many running events in Melbourne taking place between September and December, many of us will be starting or at least thinking about beginning our training for these events. However, as with any physical activity there are injuries typically associated with running. Such injuries include calf strains, achilles tendinopathies, runner’s knee, and plantarfasciitis.

Now there are many biomechanical factors contributing to running injuries. Common examples of this are weak Gluteals and knee pain, low arches and ankle pain, various running styles and the plethora of associated issues. While numerous Read more

Food cravings are very different to true hunger. When we’re experiencing ‘true hunger’, a wide variety of foods are likely to satisfy us, we are able to eat them slowly and mindfully which results in satisfaction afterwards.

When we’re experiencing craving’s this is referred to as psychological hunger, the craving will be specific towards one kind of food (usually high fat/ sugar/ salt), they come on suddenly, we eat them rapidly and we may not feel satisfied afterwards as a result.. This can lead to the ‘what’s next?’ feeling. Read more

In an ideal world, we would all have the time to prepare delicious, healthy dinners each day. Even better, like celebrities, we would all have our own personal chefs to prepare these meals for us! But let’s face the facts – a personal chef is a luxury most people cannot afford, and many of us work long hours, or are too busy running around with children to spend hours in the kitchen every day of the week. Read more

Springtime is well upon us which means many of us will be getting into the gardens a lot more. It may surprise you to know that even a peaceful activity such as gardening can have its own injury risks.
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A young patient has his knee in “Lockdown” awaiting rehabilitation at Restore Movement.

Steve Sandor Sports Physiotherapist is helping Isaac get his knee out of bracing following his ACL reconstruction.

PREPARING YOUR BODIES FOR WORK AGAIN BY THE ACTIVITY DETECTIVE – STEVE SANDOR (DIRECTOR AND CHIEF PHYSIOTHERAPIST):

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