TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT(TMJ) & Disorders of that joint (TMD)
Understanding TMD & TMJ
Responsible for opening and closing your jaw, the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the upper temporal bone (which is part of your skull) and the mandible, or lower jawbone. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) are a painful condition your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can suffer from. TMD is often mis-categorized as simply TMJ, and TMD can also be mis-diagnosed.
Lock-jaw. Painful clicking. Difficulty eating. Intense headaches. These are all classic symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Contributing factors such as poor teeth alignment (upper and lower teeth touching), orthodontic treatments, poor health and nutrition can lead to TMJ pain. Pain can also arise from inflammation, arthritis, trauma to the joint, joint laxity, muscle tightness or trigger points, cervical or thoracic pain. Psychosocial factors such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression or pain can also contribute to pain. While this pain may seem overwhelming, physical therapy can help. This pain is best address through the physical therapy techniques listed below.
Treatment of TMJ and TMD
To successfully treat TMD, your physical therapy programs will likely consist of one or more of the following to help heal TMJ and prevent TMD:
- Soft tissue techniques
- Prescribed flexibility and postural strengthening
- Guided relaxation and self-management techniques
- Skilled joint mobilization
- Therapeutic use of ice/heat
- Coaching tools to help with prevention
Make an Appointment
Click the button below to schedule a physical therapy appointment with a provider skilled in providing TMD therapy those seeking relief from TMJ pain or require post-surgical TMJ rehabilitation. Worried about COVID19? Don't fret; in order to provide patients with safe, convenient care, we made a business decision to offer mobile physical therapy to patients in Bellevue, Renton, and Seattle. We also offer telehealth physical therapy to patients outside our service areas.
Sources
Another helpful website is ChoosePT.com, the official consumer information website of the American Physical Therapy Association. Click the button below for more information about TMD.