What is TMJ Physical Therapy Why You Should Start Treatment

Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are common, and the associated symptoms can be debilitating. If you suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, you may want to search for physical therapy near me. Physical therapy is one of the treatment options for those with TMD. Once you discover the benefits of PT, you will be happy you reached out.

How To Locate a TMJ PT

Physical therapists are skilled in a wide variety of conditions and injuries. However, not all of them have experience working with clients who have TMJ. When searching for Kirkland physical therapy, make sure you ask for a physical therapist who understands the various methods that help improve TMJ disorders.

During your first session, the physical therapist will conduct an exam to find the cause of your symptoms. He or she will then design a treatment plan that will bring you the greatest results.

Benefits of Using TMJ PT

TMD can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the jaw
• Headaches
• Clicking with jaw movement
• Difficulty opening or closing the jaw
• Jaw fatigue
• Issues with speaking or chewing

When you seek treatment from Mount Vernon physical therapy, you may experience a variety of benefits.

Determine the Cause of the Problem

One of the things your physical therapist will do is determine what is causing your TMJ. Some common causes include:

• Poor posture
• Abnormal alignment of the teeth
• Chronic grinding or clenching of the jaw
• Disc displacement of the joint
• Arthritis
• Trauma

Once you know what the cause of your symptoms are, steps can be taken to fix the problem. For some causes, you may need a different type of treatment, and your physical therapist can make the appropriate referrals. Understanding the cause may also help you discontinue the behavior or make modifications, such as improving your posture.

Reduce or Eliminate Symptoms

One of the most important benefits of going to a physical therapist for your TMJ disorder is an improvement of your symptoms. Your PT may use a variety of methods to reduce your symptoms, depending on what the cause is.

If poor posture is causing your TMJ symptoms, your physical therapist will work with you to improve it. This may include specific exercises or just increasing awareness so that you can make the necessary changes.

The physical therapist will use specific methods to reduce symptoms. Manual therapy is common, and this consists of using the hands to stretch or move the jaw to reduce adhesions. Trigger point therapy may also be used to reduce pain and tightness. You may also receive exercises to either relax or strengthen the muscles of the jaw.

Conservative Approach

When you seek out physical therapy for your TMJ, you can rest assured that you are trying a conservative approach before something more drastic, such as surgery. Many clients find that PT alone is sufficient for symptom relief. Even if your physical therapist determines that you need a different treatment for full recovery, PT may still be used in conjunction with the other treatment.