TMJ Disorders

TMJ Pain – How Physical Therapy Can Help 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, crucial for basic actions like speaking and eating, can cause discomfort and even severe pain. When TMJ malfunctions, its impact goes beyond mere annoyance.

Understanding TMJ Disorder

‘TMJ disorders’ is a term that refers to various problems related to the jaw joint and its muscles. Symptoms can vary from slight jaw stiffness to intense pain, significantly affecting your ability to eat, speak, and sleep, impacting your enjoyment of life. Common complaints from patients diagnosed with TMJ include jaw pain, difficulties chewing, and a distinct clicking noise upon moving the jaw. In extreme cases, TMJ may result in persistent pain, or a jaw stuck in position.

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Identifying TMJ Signs and Symptoms

TMJ can present itself in diverse forms. Typical indications are:

  • Sensitivity or pain in the jaw area near the ear
  • Challenges in chewing or opening the mouth fully
  • Clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement, such as chewing
  • Locking of the jaw joint

The severity can span from sporadic mild discomfort to constant, severe pain, all of which impact your daily activities. So, a timely, personalized approach is needed.

How Physical Therapy Targets TMJ Pain

At MVPT Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach, focusing on more than symptom relief. We aim to enhance your overall health and wellness. Your physical therapist is your partner in health, dedicated to helping you discover the underlying causes of your TMJ problems and creating a care plan focused on regaining mobility and functionality through manual therapy, exercise routines, and educational guidance.

Your TMJ care may include:

  • Manual Therapy: Physical Therapists use hands-on services to reduce pain, improve mobility, and relieve muscle tension associated with TMJ. Based on your preferences, services can include therapeutic massage and joint mobilization.
  • Range of Motion Exercises: These activities help to improve the jaw’s mobility. They involve gentle stretches of the jaw muscles, aiding in easier mouth opening and closing.
  • Strengthening: Focused exercises are designed to fortify muscles around the jaw and neck. This support helps stabilize the TMJ, lessen pain, and enhance functionality.
  • Patient Education: It’s essential to educate you about TMJ, including self-help methods, posture improvements, and techniques to help you handle stress effectively. This knowledge empowers you to manage your symptoms more effectively and avert future complications.

Our therapists are dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans, considering your unique needs and lifestyle.

Begin Your Path to Recovery

MVPT is committed to helping you overcome TMJ pain. Together, we aim to reach your health and wellness aspirations, with you as the focal point of the care process. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and move one step closer to optimal health and well-being.

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