{"title":"Maxillofacial rehabilitation","content":"**Maxillofacial rehabilitation treats jaw joint disorders (TMJ): pain, locking, clicking, difficulty opening the mouth. At the Pôle Equilibre & Santé practice in Dudelange, it addresses the root of the problem to reduce pain, restore mobility and reduce joint noises, with solutions designed to last.**\n\n## Why is the jaw a problem?\n\nThe temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is one of the most heavily used joints in the body — and one of the least stable. It includes joint surfaces, a capsule, ligaments, muscles and a disc, all of which can be affected: osteoarthritis, inflammation, muscular tension or blockage linked to disc displacement.\n\nThese disorders are common: according to studies, 30 to 50% of adults experience them. The causes are often multiple — muscle tension, trauma, poor posture, certain dental procedures — and TMJ can also be the cause of headaches or neck pain.\n\n## Is a cracking jaw worrying?\n\nAn occasional, painless cracking sound is nothing to worry about: it corresponds to the disc returning to its place. On the other hand, clicking or grinding with every chew deserves attention, because the joint becomes more prone to locking or wearing out. Seeking advice early can simplify rehabilitation, before compensatory patterns develop.\n\n## What signs should lead to consultation?\n\n- headaches, neck or facial pain;\n- pain when chewing, clenching your teeth or yawning;\n- cracking, clicking or locking of the jaw;\n- reduction in mouth opening or change in the fit of the teeth;\n- numbness around the jaw.\n\nRehabilitation may also be needed after surgery or trauma (dislocation, TMJ fracture, facial fractures, facial paralysis): the aim is then to restore mouth opening and normal muscular strength.\n\n## How does a session go?\n\nThe physiotherapist combines several techniques depending on your situation:\n\n- [manual therapy](/dudelange/competence/therapie-manuelle) approaches to restore normal movements;\n- relaxation of the temporal, suboccipital and intraoral muscles;\n- an exercise programme to maintain gains;\n- postural work to reduce cranio-cervical compression;\n- [electrotherapy](/dudelange/equipement/electrotherapie) with currents used for pain relief.\n\nYou will receive advice to avoid reinjury and preserve your jaw function over time.\n\n## Your specialist at the practice\n\nAt the Dudelange practice, maxillofacial rehabilitation is notably provided by , trained in oro-maxillofacial rehabilitation. It is to him that you will most often be directed for this type of care.\n\n## A comprehensive approach to jaw rehabilitation\n\nOur specialist website [kine-machoire.lu](https://kine-machoire.lu/) explains our approach to temporomandibular joint disorders in more detail: an assessment of the TMJ, chewing muscles and cervical posture, followed by a personalised programme. Depending on your needs, treatment may combine intra- and extra-oral manual techniques, joint mobilisation, tension release, home exercises and advice about posture and teeth clenching.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### Can stress make jaw pain worse?\n\nYes. Teeth clenching, often accentuated by stress or during sleep, sustains muscle tension. Part of self-care is becoming aware of it and learning to relax the jaw.\n\n### Should you see a dentist first?\n\nIt's common. Rehabilitation is often coordinated with the dentist or orthodontist, particularly in the presence of a splint: the two approaches are complementary.\n\n### Are the results lasting?\n\nYes, provided you continue the exercises and advice learned. This is what distinguishes a short-term relief from an improvement established over time.\n\n### How do I make an appointment in Dudelange?\n\nBy telephone at [+352 26 65 15 33](tel:+35226651533). The practice is located at Bloc A, 48 Rue de la Libération, L-3511 Dudelange — see [Contact & access](/dudelange/contact).\n\n## Find out more\n\n- — oro-maxillofacial rehabilitation\n- [Manual therapy](/dudelange/competence/therapie-manuelle) — at the heart of TMJ care\n- [Electrotherapy](/dudelange/equipement/electrotherapie) — currents used for pain relief\n- [The Consultation](/dudelange/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine) — prescription, reimbursement, progress"}