Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Have you had ear pain? Have you noticed that your jaw clicks? Or have you found that you grind your teeth? If so, You might have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). My mom suffered from this for years before she received proper therapy and help. So, what is TMJD, and how did you end up with it?

Well, TMJD results from injury to the TMJ, which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Now this is a big deal because you use your jaw all of the time - for eating, breathing, talking basically a large part of your life makes use of your jaw. And disfunction to the TMJ can really cause some uncomfortable symptoms. It can make it so that chewing is painful and can be accompanied by clicking or popping of your jaw. It can also lead to you jaw locking up or you not being able to move your jaw as much. It can also cause ear pain, nerve inflammation, headaches, tooth grinding, and even TMJ dislocation in some cases. Seriously no fun at all.

Fortunately, the physical therapists at FYZICAL Spanish Fork can help treat the underlying cause of your TMJD and create an individualized treatment plan to decrease your pain, improve TMJ function, and in the process enhance your quality of life. Just imagine how good things would be if these oppressive symptoms of TMJD were not grinding away at you all day long. 

The muscle tightness and dysfunction of your TMJD may result from a variety of factors. First of all it could just be due to your genetics (thanks mom and dad), your musculoskeletal system may just have a neck misalignment or teeth or jaw misalignment. Second, TMJD may be due to a a jaw injury or arthritis. Third, TMJD can be influenced by habits and behaviors. Things like poor posture, stress, and excessive gum chewing can all be contributing factors in developing TMJD.

That being said, physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore normal functioning of your jaw. In fact, in most cases, physical therapy can help resolve TMJD without surgical intervention. However, if you do need surgery for your TMJD, FYZICAL Spanish Fork’s physical therapists can play an important role in your recovery. We can help minimize muscle tightness, decrease scar tissue formation, and encourage proper healing so you have the best possible chance for recovery. 

At FYZICAL Spanish Fork, our skilled physical therapists will assess your jaw and determine the root cause of your TMJD. They will then create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Unlike other forms of treatment, Physical therapy is a safe and effective option for treating the underlying cause of your TMJD, not just masking the symptoms. Physical therapy can decrease symptoms of TMJD and restore the normal functioning of your TMJ. Your physical therapist may use a combination of therapies including manual therapy - which means hands on help to increase range of motion, decrease muscle tension, and improve TMJ alignment. They may also show you specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of your jaw. Additionally, they may help you to recognize and correct any postural issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. FYZICAL Spanish Fork Physical therapists are also qualified to advise you on other effective treatments like using a nightguard. They can also educate you on how to manage stress levels and and how to avoid activities that irritate your TMJ, such as gum chewing. Basically, they will help you understand how to effectively manage your symptoms and prevent any further problems.This personalized therapy will help you manage your symptoms, restore the normal functioning of your jaw, and improve your quality of life. What are you missing out on now because of your TMJD that could be restored with proper treatment?

If you or a loved one are suffering from symptoms of TMJD, contact us today to learn more about physical therapy for TMJD.