TMJ therapy

From yawning to chewing food and talking, the TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in our body. When injured or overused, TMJ disorders can be painful.

Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center therapists have special training to reduce pain and increase function.

Temporomandibular and mastication disorders, also known as TMJ disorders, are common causes of headache, facial pain, ear pain and ringing in the ears.

The TMJ is the jaw joint, located on each side of the face in front of the ear. The joint can be damaged or displaced during a fall or a blow to the face or jaw.

TMJ disorders can also be the result of chronic problems such as clenching or grinding teeth or constant gum chewing, poor posture or chronic neck pain.

Symptoms

As TMJ disorders become worse, jaw noises such as clicking, popping, rubbing or grinding can occur. Jaw movement can become limited and irregular and you may experience headaches, facial pain, difficulty or discomfort while chewing and muscle spasms.

TMJ treatment

Physical therapy is highly effective at managing TMJ conditions by decreasing pain and improving function.

Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center has several physical therapists who provide specialty care to patients with TMJ conditions.

Physical therapy involving specific procedures directly over the chewing muscles and joints, inside and outside the mouth, can help restore jaw function. Treatment of associated neck and back problems frequently is needed, too.

Our physical therapists work closely with the referring provider to help coordinate care to ensure the best outcomes.

Therapy to help restore the correct resting position of the jaw may include:

• manual therapy for muscles and joints
• posture education for daytime and sleep
• behavior management (avoiding certain foods, limit caffeine)
• stabilization exercises to balance muscle tone and joints
• ultrasound to decrease muscle and joint tightness and pain
• iontonphoresis for inflammation relief
• cervical traction.