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tmj

TMJ Dysfunction

Jaw Pain Can be Limiting – Find Relief with PT

Don’t Let TMJ Limit Your Life

There is a possibility that you may have TMJ dysfunction if you have problems with your jaw. Do you have a hard time chewing or yawning? Do you feel pain in your jaw? When you open or close your mouth, do you hear a click? If so, you may have a TMJ, or “temporomandibular joint dysfunction.”

The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ is a condition that causes the joint of the jaw and its associated muscles to become painful and stiff. TMJ dysfunction can develop if the joint is damaged in some way.

The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure made up of bones, tendons, and muscles that can make you feel discomfort on one or both sides of your jaw. This can make it very difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.

If you’re done dealing with the inconvenience of TMJ, you can find help with physical therapy. Click here to request an appointment with one of our Muncy or Montoursville, PA physical therapists.

How can physical therapy help me find relief?

In some cases, home remedies may be used to treat TMJ dysfunction. Some people respond well to drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Applying ice packs directly to the jaw joint can also help to relieve pain. Sedative essential oils, such as clary sage or lavender may also help you find temporary relief.

Medical intervention may be required when home remedies have not been successful in providing long-term relief. In many cases, stronger muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may compliment the physical therapy treatments.

In order to maintain proper alignment of teeth and avoid dental grinding, dental splints may also be used by the jaw specialist. Trigger-point acupuncture, joint replacement, or TMJ arthroscopy are other forms of medical treatment.

Physical therapy is probably one of the most common interventions for TMJ disorder if you choose to stop taking pain-relieving drugs and use a more holistic approach.

At your initial appointment with Lycoming Physical Therapy, a comprehensive assessment will be done on your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms.

Then one of our dedicated physical therapists will develop a treatment plan based on the nature of your symptoms and your specific needs.

Our physical therapist will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the areas around your neck and head. The goal of our Muncy and Montoursville, PA physical therapy treatments is to restore your normal function and the interaction of the muscles and joints of the jaw.

Your treatment plan may consist of any combination of methods and modalities, including jaw exercises, soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • jaw pain
  • jaw popping
  • Headaches
  • sore jaw muscles
  • Lockjaw
  • temple pain
  • earaches

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 Muncy and Montoursville, PA physical therapists will examine your medical history and conduct tests if you think you might be suffering from this disorder.

You may also be referred to an otolaryngologist or dentist specializing in jaw disorders by your doctor.

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.

You will be treated on the basis of the severity of your symptoms until your condition has been determined.

Begin the first steps of your treatment for TMJ today

If you are living with symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, schedule an appointment at Lycoming Physical Therapy today.

Our Muncy & Montoursville, PA physical therapists are patient-centered and committed to your health, working hard to help you manage and eliminate symptoms.

Do not suffer from jaw pain and stiffness any longer! Contact us today