Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Myo Durham Physical Therapy should be your first choice for the treatment of facial or jaw pain. We have a high success rate because we are specialists in jaw and facial pain. Our one-on-one hour long treatment appointments, and encouraging environment is the perfect place to begin your journey towards a full recovery.
Myo Durham Physical Therapy provides treatment to patients who have undergone TMJ or Orthognathic Surgeryas well as those who are having pain from clenching, trauma, or locking episodes. There can be pain and difficulties with jaw function for a period of time following the surgery. This is a common occurrence and can be successfully treated by a Physical Therapist, who has specialized education and training in treating TMJ Pain and Disorders. We are uniquely qualified to address the symptoms frequently seen after surgery, such as swelling, pain, inability to open the jaw, chew or difficulty with speaking. We will guide you during your recovery and carefully facilitate the best post-surgical outcome.
I have advanced training in treating patients with TMD and neck disorders, with over 16 years of treating acute and chronic conditions. PTs use a variety of treatment approaches to reduce joint pain and improve mobility including joint mobilizations in the jaw and cervical spine, in addition to addressing soft tissue tightness in surrounding muscles using manual techniques, such as massage, neuromuscular re-education, posture training biofeedback training, and dry needling.
How dry needling helps treat TMD
Dry needling is performed by a certified Physical therapist. The PT inserts a monofilament needle into a muscle trigger point or taut band, which causes reduced muscle spasm and pain. With the muscle now “reset” the patient can train this muscle to work properly again. In patients with TMD, the common areas of tightness typically include muscles around the jaw and neck.
The ultimate goals of addressing TMJ issues, are to eliminate or at least to decrease pain and optimize your jaw function, allowing you to experience a better quality of life.
Physical therapy goals and expectations are different for every person that walks through our door. Myo Durham Physical Therapy specializes in devising a treatment plan and goals that address all of your concerns, whether it be the ability to wake up without pain from clenching, or the ability to eat your favorite meal at a restaurant. Our treatments help you discover reliable methods for easing your pain levels and educating you towards self-management. We can help with:
- Swelling reduction
- Pain relief
- Increasing jaw range of motion needed for speaking, yawning, singing, sexual expression, and dental work.
- Regaining essential strength, stability, and control of the facial, jaw, and neck muscles
- Restoring normal jaw functions, such as biting and chewing
- Decreasing jaw tension, daytime clenching, and bruxing
- Improving posture
- Optimize positioning for sleeping and leisure
- Ergonomics
