As a professional athlete, you are always searching for ways to improve your physical and mental performance. But have you considered that an overlooked issue like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) could be holding you back?
TMJ is a dysfunction of the jaw and surrounding anatomical structures. It can be a difficult condition to treat because it’s often overlooked initially, but if it’s left untreated it could lead to even more complications including difficulties in speaking, chewing, swallowing, and even breathing. In fact, TMJ disorders are one of the most common chronic orofacial pain problems, affecting up to 10-million people in the US.
Many of the symptoms are easy to ignore—tightness in the jaw, difficulty chewing, and headaches are some of the most common. But when these symptoms impede an athlete’s ability to perform, the results can be very frustrating. TMJ can have a big impact on the musculoskeletal system and therefore it has important implications to the well-being and performance of professional athletes. Many of these athletes may not even know they have TMJ due to the subtlety of the initial symptoms and that proper assessment can evaluate if this disorder is present.
But treatment of TMJ can have big benefits, especially for highly-trained athletes.
Proper TMJ Treatment Means Pain Management
If the muscles that move the jaw are out of alignment, this can put enormous stress on the surrounding muscles. The result is pain, making it difficult for an athlete to work out or practice their sport. By treating TMJ, an athlete can get their muscles aligned properly and begin the process of pain relief and management.
This means less discomfort in their everyday activities and in their training. It will be much easier for them to be able to work out and compete without any significant restriction.
Correcting TMJ Means Improved Performance
The muscles in the jaw are intricately linked to a multitude of other musculoskeletal structures and systems. When these muscles aren’t functioning optimally, the entire body is affected.
Many professional athletes have reported better performance after receiving TMJ treatment. Improved hand-eye coordination, greater balance and stability, and decreased muscular fatigue are all symptoms which can potentially be improved with proper TMJ treatment.
Treating TMJ Means Reduced Risk of Injury
When an athlete’s muscles are out of balance, the risk for injury increases. When the jaw is involved, the connection to the rest of the body is even greater.
Therefore, having TMJ increases an athlete’s risk of other musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries. If TMJ goes untreated, the likelihood of a catastrophic injury increases, possibly ending a long career.
Treating TMJ can help prevent such injuries because it allows the muscles to balance properly and get back to functioning optimally.
Conclusion
As a professional athlete, it can sometimes be easy to focus only on the obvious ways to improve your game. But an overlooked issue like TMJ should not be discounted. It can be the cause of many of your discomfort and other issues, and it can also significantly impact your performance and increase your risk of injury.
Proper TMJ treatment can ensure that the muscles are properly aligned and the issue is resolved. By doing so, athletes can reduce pain, increase performance, and decrease the likelihood of future injuries. So, if you’re a professional athlete looking for a new way to improve your game, consider having your TMJ checked.