TMJ DISORDERS
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TMJ Disorder Treatment
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This disorder causes pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the jaw joint, making it difficult to chew, speak, and even yawn. TMJ can be caused by:
- bad posture habits
- chronic jaw clenching at night
- problems with teeth alignment
- fracture
- surgery
- Trismus (lock jaw)
TMJ Treatments
After conducting a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying causes of the patient’s symptoms, a personalized treatment plan may include the following:
- Manual Therapy: We use hands-on techniques to mobilize the jaw and surrounding muscles to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: We teach patients specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the jaw to help reduce pain and improve function.
- Posture and Body Mechanics Training: Poor posture and body mechanics can contribute to TMJ disorder. We teach patients proper posture and body mechanics to help reduce symptoms.
- Electrical Stimulation: We use electrical stimulation to stimulate the muscles surrounding the jaw to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
- Education: We educate patients on lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction techniques and diet changes, that may help reduce symptoms of TMJ disorder.
Your Physical Therapist can help restore the natural movement of your jaw and decrease your pain. If the therapist determines that your jaw pain is not related to teeth alignment, the therapist will select treatments that will work best for you.
Locations of Service:
- Alton
- Columbia
- Jerseyville
Learn more from our staff contributed articles.