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TEMPROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION

What is Tempromandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) and how do I know if I have it?

TMJ disorders are a collection of conditions characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues, abnormal neck, jaw and teeth mechanics, clicking and popping in jaw region, often associated with headaches and ear pain. Some causes are known, while others aren’t. Consult your dentist or physical therapist for an evaluation to see if you are affected. 

The facts about TMJ disorder:

• Over 10 Million Americans suffer from TMJ every year
• The TMJ cycles over 2,000 times per day on average
• Dentists and physical therapists are trained in detecting
  and diagnosing TMJ disorders
• TMJ may develop for any number of reasons including:
  lost or crooked teeth, overbite, malocclusion, degenerative
  arthritis, trauma, stress or muscle spasms 

How can physical therapy help reduce my TMJ symptoms and how is it treated?

Working in conjunction with your dentist, your physical therapist will develop a unique and specific plan of care. By using the “pain map” approach created by Mariano Rocabado, DPT, the generalized TMJ diagnosis can be narrowed and directed for individualized treatment. A spinal cervical exam, postural assessment and intervention including: joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold laser therapy treatments and splinting when necessary may be utilized to reduce pain and restore normal biomechanical function.