Target Area: Jaw/TMJ
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How can Physical Therapy help me?
Physical Therapy is a trusted healthcare industry dedicated to evaluating and treating certain injuries and illnesses. The goal of Physical Therapists is to ease pain by helping you to move, live, and function better. [Source: bls.gov]. Also known as...
Where is My Jaw/TMJ Pain Coming From?
Jaw pain can be caused by numerous factors, including a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). Jaw pain may also be caused by oral surgery, muscle tension, grinding or clenching your jaw during sleep, or even by poor posture.
Physical therapy can often help alleviate jaw pain. However, it’s important to understand that your individual condition and underlying causes of pain will dictate the type of treatment you receive. Should you experience consistent or severe pain, it’s vital that you undergo a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist or other healthcare professional.
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Common Head Pain Conditions
- TMJD
- Arthritis of the Jaw
- Jaw Trauma or Injury
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Joint Hypermobility
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
What & How We Treat
Assessment and Diagnosis
Your physical therapist will do a comprehensive assessment to determine the causes of your jaw pain. This could include evaluating muscle strength, range of motion, posture, and possible joint dysfunction.
Muscle Strengthening and Stretching
Therapists will provide exercises specifically designed to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight muscles in your neck and jaw area.
Joint Mobilization
Joint restrictions and mobility in the neck and jaw can be addressed with manual therapy techniques including joint mobilization and manipulation.
Posture Correction
Your posture can be improved through various exercises and ergonomic recommendations provided by your physical therapist.
Modalities for Pain Relief
Heat or cold therapy, dry needling, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation are some of the therapeutic modalities that can be applied to relieve pain and reduce muscle tension.
Education on Jaw Habits
If your jaw pain is being caused by grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws, our therapists will teach you about helpful behavior modifications – and may also recommend interventions such as mouthguards.
Stress Management
Jaw pain can sometimes be caused by stress. Our therapists can teach you stress management techniques – such as relaxation exercises – to help you reduce and manage your stress.
Functional Training
Our therapists can provide you with functional exercises to help improve your jaw movement and coordination – while also improving your ability to do daily activities without pain.
Home Exercise Program
Your therapist may provide you with a personalized home exercise program – which can help you achieve long-term pain relief.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals
Sometimes our physical therapists collaborate with oral surgeons, dentists, and/or other healthcare providers to help ensure you receive comprehensive care for conditions such as TMJD.