TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ Dysfunction joint effort physical therapy

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, 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 Colorado Springs, CO 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.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, contacting a physical therapist at Joint Effort Physical Therapy is a good idea for pain relief.

There is no exact way to diagnose TMJ dysfunction, but our 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

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 based on the severity of your symptoms until your condition has been determined.

Physical therapy can help with TMJ pain and discomfort

Home remedies can be used to treat TMJ dysfunction in some cases. Some people respond well to medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Ice packs applied directly to the jaw joint can also help relieve pain. Essential oils with sedative properties, such as clary sage or lavender, can also provide temporary relief.

When home remedies do not succeed in providing long-term relief, however, medical intervention may be required. Stronger muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed in many cases.

A specialist may also employ dental splints to guarantee adequate teeth alignment and to prevent dental grinding. Trigger-point treatment, joint replacement, and TMJ arthroscopy are among other medical therapies.

Physical therapy may be one of the most effective treatments for TMJ conditions if you opt to forego pain medicines and take a more natural approach.

What should I expect with PT treatment for TMJ?

At your first appointment with Joint Effort Physical Therapy, a thorough examination of your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine will be performed to determine whether those structures are causing your symptoms.

Then, based on the complexities of your symptoms and your specific needs, one of our professional physical therapists will create a care plan for you.

Our physical therapist will assess jaw mobility and reduce muscular tightness in the neck and head. Our physical therapy treatments seek to restore your normal function as well as the 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 ultrasound.

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 Joint Effort Physical Therapy today.

Our Colorado Springs, CO 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.