If you or someone you love suffers from TMJ, understand you are not alone. Physical therapy can help you manage this condition effectively and regain your independence. In this article, we will discuss different ways that physical therapy can help improve your TMJ.
At P3 Physical Therapy, we offer TMJ treatment in El Paso, TX, that includes personalized physical therapy and valuable education on the disability. Our trusted clinic can help you manage your TMJ and regain your comfort. If you believe you have TMJ, call us at (915)-444-5200 to schedule an appointment.
Finding Solutions
TMJ dysfunction is when the temporomandibular joint becomes irritated, tight, or painful when in motion. It can be caused by trauma through a sports injury or accident, jaw clenching and teeth grinding, or arthritis. Symptoms associated with TMJ disorder include headaches or dizziness, difficulty opening your mouth wide or chewing, jaw tenderness or pain, pain around your neck and ears, and popping or clicking noises when you open and close your mouth. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the battle against TMJ disorders. Physical therapists formulate a personalized treatment plan catered to the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. Typically, these treatments are a combination of multiple modalities to address different pain areas. Listed below are different ways that physical therapy will benefit your TMJ treatment.
- Reduce Tension and Pain—Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue work aim to relieve tension in the jaw muscles, thus decreasing pain when chewing or opening the mouth.
- Teach Relaxation Techniques–Stress is the leading cause of jaw clenching and teeth grinding. If this is the reason for your pain, physical therapists will incorporate deep breathing or meditation exercises into your TMJ treatment.
- Improve Jaw Movement–Certain exercises can help your jaw move a lot smoother. Stretching the jaw muscles will help strengthen them and reduce tightness, which in turn improves mobility. It can also enhance your coordination to minimize clicking and pain.
- Tailored Exercises–TMJ treatment is catered to each patient based on their specific symptoms. These exercises may target the jaw, shoulder, neck, or spine. In some cases, a physical therapist may suggest full-body exercises like aerobics.
- Exercises can include goldish exercises (full and partial), relaxed jaw, resisted opening/closing mouth, chin tucks, forward jaw movement, and side-to-side jaw movement.
- Lifestyle Changes- Certain habits, like nail biting or gum chewing, can make TMJ disorders worse. A physical therapist can point out these habits and either suggest alternatives or help you break the habit altogether. In addition to habits, specific foods and sleeping positions can irritate TMJ disorder and should be changed if necessary.
TMJ Treatment in El Paso
At P3 Physical Therapy, located in El Paso, TX, our TMJ treatment offers long-lasting relief. Our therapists can help you learn about your condition in addition to managing it. If you’re ready to fight against TMJ, call our office at (915)-444-5200 to schedule an appointment.
