Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about what TMJ physical therapy and how it can help you.
You have a joint on both sides of your jaw called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Disorders in this area are painful, and unfortunately, the cause of these disorders is typically the result of multiple factors, including genetics, injury, jaw clenching and arthritis. Fortunately, physical therapy can help alleviate some of the pain you feel. Therefore, before you start searching for the best physical therapy in Moorestown, NJ, there are a few things you should know.
Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ disorders have several symptoms. Your jaw may feel tender, or you may feel outright pain in one or both joints. You may also feel pain or aches in your ears or in the general area between your jaw and ears. Your face may also ache. Your joints could lock up or you may just have trouble opening and closing your mouth or chewing your food.
TMJ Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have a TMJ disorder, you should consult a physician. You may receive dental x-rays, a CT scan or MRI. Your physician will examine your teeth and jaw, including your joint, discs and soft tissues. This professional will feel and listen to your jaw as you move it.
You will be asked to open and close your mouth so the physician can hear your jaw and evaluate your range of motion. Be prepared to have the doctor press on and around your jaw. Talk about where you feel pain or discomfort. Finally, your doctor may perform TMJ arthroscopy, where a camera in a tube is placed inside the joint to watch your jaw as you move it.
If you’re exploring alternative approaches to address TMJ disorders, chiropractic care in Sacramento offers another avenue for relief. Chiropractors specializing in TMJ dysfunction employ gentle, non-invasive techniques to alleviate pain and restore optimal function to the jaw joint. Additionally, chiropractic care encompasses holistic approaches to wellness, which may include lifestyle modifications, therapeutic exercises, and nutritional guidance to support overall jaw health.
In conjunction with chiropractic care, integrating physical therapy exercises can further enhance treatment outcomes. These exercises aim to strengthen weak muscles, release tension, and enhance flexibility in the jaw joint and surrounding areas.
For high-quality physical therapy equipment to support your rehabilitation journey, consider exploring the offerings at PTEQUIP. Their range of products can aid in facilitating effective exercises and promoting optimal recovery from TMJ dysfunction.
What is TMJ PT
Like many TMJ patients, you may have heard that you just have to learn to live with it. Your physician may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or tricyclic antidepressants. You may have the option of jaw surgery as well. However, new research has found that physical therapy helps. You can look for the best therapist in Manhattan location for the best service you could have.
Like pelvic floor physical therapy, TMJ PT is specialized. It targets the muscles in and around your jaw. Most TMJ PT involves manual, hands-on techniques. You may experience intraoral myofascial massage and therapies as well as trigger-point treatments. Your therapist may encourage joint mobilization and manipulation. You may also choose dry needling therapies.
Benefits of Using TMJ PT
TMJ PT reduces your muscle stiffness. It can also alleviate your pain and eliminate headaches. You may also experience range of motion restoration. Local ischemia may be reduced while synovial fluid production and proprioception can be stimulated. You can experience reductions in lockjaw due to the restoration of your displaced disk.
Continual physical therapy can retrain your jaw to move properly. At this point, you should feel less pain, and it may even be eliminated. A good physical therapist will also suggest that you see a dental therapist to help you reduce or eliminate night clenching and teeth-grinding habits.
As you search for TMJ physical therapy near me, find someone with extensive experience and training in TMJ treatment. Be patient with your treatment and follow the therapists’ instructions at home, and you should experience relief.