Do Dentists Recommend Physical Therapy for TMJ Treatment?

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, connects the lower jaw to the skull. If you are experiencing pain in your jaw, you may be suffering from what is known as TMJ disorder. The disorder may also cause muscle spasms, clicking sounds, or jaw locking. These symptoms can make regular activities like eating and talking painful and difficult. Different treatments exist for this condition, including medication, massage, surgery, and physical therapy.

Physical therapy and TMJ treatment

When a patient visits the dentist for TMJ, they will first undergo an evaluation. The dental professional will ask about the condition, including when it started, the aggravating or relieving factors, and the symptoms. They will also talk about activities that might cause jaw pain. The dentist will want to know whether the patient has undergone previous treatments for the TMJ disorder.

Assessments will be done to determine the severity of the disorder, including posture, range of motion for neck and jaw, palpation of structures around the jaw, and the strength of the jaw and postural muscles. After the evaluation, the dentist will examine the results and develop a plan for treatment. If physical therapy will be effective for the condition, the dentist will make the recommendation and let the patient know what to expect.

Physical therapy options

The treatments in physical therapy are meant to relieve pain and inflammation, enhance jaw mobility and posture, and restore normal jaw functions. Some of the options include:

• Application of heat and ice: Applying heat on the jaw can help relax the muscles and relieve pain and muscular spasm. Ice can decrease inflammation and jaw pain
• Massage: Different massage techniques can help treat TMJ pain. Massage may be done on facial muscles, jaw muscles, neck, and shoulder muscles. The aim of the massage is to relax the muscle and improve circulation in the area to ensure normal motion in the temporomandibular joint
• TMJ mobilizations: The professional may use mobilizations on the jaw to improve the joint’s motion. Mobilization can restore regular motion and relocate a dislocated articular disc in the jaw joint
• Exercises: Jaw exercise is one of the most vital aspects of the TMJ treatment plan. The dentist will probably recommend exercises to improve the opening and closing of the jaws. They will check to ensure the jaws are moving correctly and remain in proper alignment during the exercise. The exercise focuses on restoring regular, pain-free jaw motion
• Postural instructions: Certain postures can put undue stress and strain on the jaw joints. If the dentist determines that the patient’s posture is also causing the TMJ dysfunction, they will recommend proper posture, as well as exercises like slouch-overcorrect procedure and scapular strengthening exercises

Do you suffer from TMJ pain?

A case of TMJ disorder requires prompt attention from a dentist. If you have symptoms of this condition, a dentist can help determine the cause of the problem and recommend treatments, such as physical therapy, to restore jaw functions. This will allow you to quickly return to your routine without the inconvenience of TMJ pain.

Request an appointment here: https://rivermarkdental.org or call Rivermark Dental at (408) 648-4788 for an appointment in our Santa Clara office.

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