Do you suffer from headaches, grinding of your teeth, clicking of your jaw or even ear pain? These can all be signs of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). This is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury to the TMJ, which is the joint between your jaw and skull. The injured temporomandibular joint leads to pain with chewing, clicking, and popping of the jaw; swelling on the sides of the face; nerve inflammation; headaches; tooth grinding; and sometimes dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.
What Causes TMJ Syndrome?
Multiple factors contribute to muscle tightness and dysfunction that characterize this condition. Most often, poor posture and neck alignment change the pull of the muscles that make your jaw move. This causes painful grinding and irritation of the TMJ. Other causes may include:
- Poor alignment of or trauma to the teeth or jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Arthritis or other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders
- Excessive gum chewing
A lot can be done to help TMJ, first starting with a thorough evaluation of your problem with our expert physical therapists. Once the root cause of your problem has been discovered, a comprehensive plan can be developed to quickly relieve your pain and restore natural movement to your TMJ. Furthermore, our physical therapists will teach you techniques for regaining normal jaw movement for long-lasting results.
What Happens During a TMD Evaluation in Jacksonville and Clearwater?
Initial evaluation will take place on your first visit to a PT with TMD/TMJ. The PT will discuss your condition and ask questions about your jaw pain. Your eating habits and any other activities that could cause irritation to your jaw will also be discussed. The PT may also ask you about any previous treatment for TMJ/TMD pain. During the PT evaluation, you may also need to have several tests done in order to determine a baseline measurement.
A PT evaluation could include the following components:
- Measuring the neck and jaw range of motion
- Evaluation of the jaw structures
- Listening to clicks and pops in a joint environment
- Measurement of strength in the jaw and postural muscles
- Assessing your posture
After your evaluation is completed, your physical therapist will talk with you about the results, create a plan for care, and work with you to set goals for your therapy.
What to Avoid
- Using your teeth as tools
- Nervous chewing
- Hard, chewy or crunchy food
- Poor posture
- Sleeping on your stomach
- Teeth grinding
- Stress
What Can Physical Therapy Do to Help TMD?
TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw. TMD can be treated with physical therapy. A TMD certified physical therapist can diagnose the root cause of your pain, and help improve your jaw movement.
Non-invasive treatments are used by physical therapists to reduce pain and restore natural movement in your jaw.
TMD evaluations and treatment are a specialty of MotionRX physical therapists. Please schedule an appointment to get a TMD assessment. A personalized care plan with a variety of treatment options can also be created for you. TMD can be effectively managed with physical therapy, even if the symptoms are severe and long-lasting.
See Our TMD Specialists in Jacksonville or Clearwater
The focus of physical therapy for TMJ is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles and scar tissue. In most cases, physical therapy can resolve TMJ and prevent the need for surgery. However, in cases where surgery is absolutely necessary, physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process, as it helps minimize scar tissue formation, muscle tightness and allows for a complete recovery. For more information, Contact us today.
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Testimonials
“Rachel is the best physical therapist! I came with chronic plantar fasciitis and golfer’s elbow, and she got me back to running and lifting weights again. If you’re wondering what PT to go to, this is the one. The approach is awesome…pain shouldn’t keep you from doing what you love.”
“I learned of Motion RX through their great social media presence and a preemptive call from Dr. Yu. I broke my fibula and wanted to make sure that I healed correctly and efficiently to recommence with my preferred activities of soccer, golf, and snow-skiing. After an initial assessment and agreed upon plan of treatment, I worked with Dr. Kate on a weekly basis to accelerate my natural healing and make sure that I exercised properly to maximize my return potential. I am happy to say that I am back and as strong as I was pre-injury. Thanks Dr. Kate to get me back on the field!”
