Treating TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is a condition that affects the jaw as well as the neck and shoulders. TMD is currently the 3rd leading cause of chronic pain.

Physical Therapy can help to identify the cause(s) for this dysfunction and decrease inflammation and pain. This is accomplished through an individualized treatment plan to improve jaw and neck function. 

TMD Treatment:

Modalities

• Ultrasound
• Cold laser
• Electrotherapy

Manual Therapy

• Joint mobilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Strain counterstrain
• ASTYM
• Dry needling

Neuromuscular Re-Education

• Addressing TMJ and cervical spine dysfunction
• Posture re-education
• Kinesio Taping

Therapeutic Exercise

• Improving strength and range of motion in neck and jaw
• Home program instruction
• Rhythmic Stabilization to improve muscular coordination and decrease popping/clicking 

Treatment Expectations

Evaluation

• Postural Analysis including head, spine and shoulders
• Range of motion of jaw and neck
• Internal and external palpation of jaw and neck musculature
• Joint mobility assessment in jaw and neck
• Pain assessment 

Results

• Positive short-term and long-term outcomes
• Significant differences in active opening and pain
• Improved quality of life and functional outcomes 

Treatments are individualized to meet your needs..

What causes TMJ Dysfunction? 

Several factors can contribute to TMJ dysfunction including:

• Direct trauma to the head or neck (whiplash, fall, sports related injuries)
• Overuse
• Posture
• Degeneration/Osteoarthritis
• Disturbance of occlusion (bite) 

Common symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Popping/ clicking
• Decreased motion in jaw and/or neck
• Jaw or neck pain
• Earache/feeling of fullness/ringing/hearing loss 
• Pain with eating and avoidance of certain foods
• Disturbed sleep
• Altered facial sensation