TMJ Physical Therapy Treatment

trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder in asian woman, She uses hand touching her cheek and symptoms fo pain and suffering on isolated white background.
TMJ Physical Therapy Treatment

What is TMJ Therapy?

TMJ stands for “Temporomandibular Joint” which is the joint that links your lower jaw to your skull. It’s common to refer to jaw pain as “having TMJ,” but this is a bit of a misnomer. What they’re referring to is a condition known as TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder, causing symptoms in the TMJ such as pain or discomfort in the jaw area. Every person with a normal jaw has a “TMJ.” It’s not a condition but a part of your body’s anatomy.

TMJ therapy, also known as TMJ physical therapy, is a specialized form of treatment aimed at alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with TMD. In many cases, TMD is temporary, and with the right nonsurgical treatments, symptoms can be effectively managed or even eliminated.

Ignoring the signs of TMD is not advised. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to long-term discomfort and potentially affect the alignment of your upper and lower teeth. If you notice any persistent discomfort or changes in your jaw’s movement, it’s important to seek professional advice.

When is TMJ therapy recommended?

TMJ therapy is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of TMD. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • TMD pain or discomfort in the jaw joints area, face, or near the ear,
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
  • Aching facial pain
  • TMD symptoms such as popping, clicking, or locking of the jaw joint
  • Pain when yawning, laughing, or eating
  • Neck pain or headaches

What Does TMJ Therapy Treatment Involve?

TMJ therapy involves a comprehensive approach that tackles the symptoms and underlying causes of TMD. Your therapist will evaluate you based on your specific, individual needs to create a customized treatment plan. This plan may include hands-on soft tissue mobilization, strengthening exercises for the jaw and neck muscles, and postural exercises. Each of these techniques plays a crucial role in relieving pain, improving jaw movement, and enhancing overall function.

Therapists offering TMJ Physical Therapy Treatment
Juan Correa, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC
Juan Correa headshot
Juan Correa, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC
Leanna Gearhart, PT, DPT, MS, OCS
Leanna Gearhart headshot
Leanna Gearhart, PT, DPT, MS, OCS
DPT, MS, OCS, PT
Jeremy Klapper, PT, DPT, MS
Jeremy Klapper Headshot
Jeremy Klapper, PT, DPT, MS
DPT, MS, PT
Anant Kulkarni, PT, DPT, CLT
Anant Kulkarni Headshot
Anant Kulkarni, PT, DPT, CLT
Kranthi Reddy Nalla, PT, MS
Kranthi Nalla headshot
Kranthi Reddy Nalla, PT, MS
Caitlin Reid, PT, DPT, CLT
Caitlin Reid headshot
Caitlin Reid, PT, DPT, CLT
Michelle Rooney, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Michelle Rooney headshot
Michelle Rooney, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Michael Virgile, PT, DPT, CSCS
Michael Virgile headshot
Michael Virgile, PT, DPT, CSCS

Frequently asked questions about
TMJ Physical Therapy Treatment

The severity of the condition and the symptoms of the individual will determine the best course of action for TMJ. Physical therapy is often the first prescribed form of treatment and a nonsurgical approach. Physical therapy may employ relaxation techniques, posture training, jaw strengthening exercises, and mouth guards to stop teeth clenching or grinding. Muscle relaxants and over-the-counter medications may occasionally be used to treat pain and inflammation. Joint surgery might be required in severe, uncommon cases.

TMJ issues can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck, as well as trouble chewing, headaches, and a popping or clicking sound in the jaw. Additionally, some people might have jaw locking or a shift in how their upper and lower teeth fit together.

Most people’s TMJ issues are treatable with therapy and can be resolved without surgery.. TMJ issues can, however, be chronic or recurrent for certain individuals, necessitating long-term care plans or, in extreme instances, surgery. It is not recommended to self-manage persistent TMJ discomfort.

If left untreated, TMJ problems can result in persistent discomfort that affects the lower jaw, face, and neck.. Additionally, it can make chewing and speaking difficult. In extreme cases,the position of the upper and lower teeth may be impacted, the jaw joint and encircling muscles may sustain irreparable harm, and jaw surgery may be required.

Fixing a temporomandibular joint necessitates treating the disorder’s root cause. Physical therapy, breathing exercises, modifying one’s diet to include softer foods, or wearing a mouth guard to stop teeth grinding are some examples of possible lifestyle adjustments.

TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, such as ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), as well as pain in the lower jaw joint, face, or neck, difficulty chewing, headaches, and painful clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.

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