Is Jaw Dysfunction and Pain Limiting Your Life?
TMJ Can Make Life Hard. Physical Therapy Can Help.
Do you have trouble eating or experience discomfort when yawning? Do you deal with persistent pain or discomfort in your jaw? Do you hear a click when you open or close your mouth? If this is the case, you may have TMJ Dysfunction, or “temporomandibular joint disorder.”
The temporomandibular joint is the link between your jaw and your skull. TMJ is a condition that causes discomfort and stiffness in the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. TMJ dysfunction can arise if the joint is damaged.
If you’re tired of coping with the discomfort of TMJ, physical therapy will help. Request an appointment with one of our Tempe or Ahwatukee physical therapists by clicking here.
Causes and symptoms of TMJ disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure consisting of bones, tendons, and muscles that can cause pain on one or both sides of your jaw. This can make opening your mouth, talking, yawning, and chewing difficult.
There are several reasons why TMJ dysfunction may develop, but misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding, or jaw injury are the most common causes.
There is no exact way to diagnose TMJ dysfunction, but our Tempe physical therapists will examine your medical history and conduct tests if you think you might be dealing with this disorder.
You may also be referred to an otolaryngologist or dentist specializing in jaw disorders by your doctor.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches
- Sore jaw muscles
- Lockjaw
- Pain in the temples
- Earaches
- Jaw pain
- Pain when eating or chewing
- Jaw popping
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, contacting a physical therapist at Orthopedic Sports Therapy is a good idea for pain relief.
Before diagnosing TMJ, any other medical conditions should be ruled out, as symptoms may also be related to conditions known as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disease, or even swollen lymph nodes.
Physical therapy can help with TMJ pain and discomfort
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ conditions; it is a natural approach to this painful condition.
What should I expect with PT treatment for TMJ?
At your first appointment with Orthopedic Sports Therapy, a thorough examination of your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine will be performed to determine whether those structures are contributing to your symptoms.
Then, based on the complexities of your symptoms and your specific needs, one of our professional Doctors of Physical Therapy will create a care plan for you.
Our physical therapist will assess jaw mobility and muscular tightness in the neck and head. Our Tempe or Phoenix physical therapy treatments seek to restore your normal function as well as the correct interplay of your jaw muscles and joints.
Your recovery plan may include a variety of procedures and modalities, such as jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or dry needling. Ergonomics, posture and eating/chewing habits will also be addressed in your TMJ treatment.
Do you think you could benefit from TMJ treatment?
If you are living with symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, kiss your discomfort goodbye. Schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Sports Therapy today.
Our Tempe and Phoenix physical therapists are patient-centered and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms. We won’t stop until you’re experiencing relief!
Do not live with jaw pain and stiffness any longer. We’ll help you get to the root of the problem. Contact us today for an appointment.