TMJ Treatment

Strengthening The Jaw With Physical Therapy

Most people associate treatment for TMJ disorders with dentists. The truth is that temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a complicated condition that should be treated through comprehensive medical care. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat’s Total Balance Center, our physical therapists specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system—the joints and muscles in the body. Coupled with dental or orthodontic treatment, physical therapy can benefit patients with jaw pain.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

What Is TMJ?

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, or the joints and muscles on either side of your head that help you open and close your mouth. People with temporomandibular joint dysfunction experience pain in and around the jaw, headaches, ear and neck pain, popping and clicking of the jaw, difficulty sleeping and problems eating and speaking. Possible causes of this dysfunction include:

Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Arthritis
Stress

Trauma or injury
Jaw/tooth alignment problems

Benefits Of Physical Therapy TMJ Treatment

There are many methods of treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction including medication, eating soft foods, orthodontic treatment for aligning the bite and, in extreme cases, even surgery. In addition to these treatments, your provider may recommend TMJ treatment through physical therapy. Physical therapy TMJ treatment can help:

Reduce pain in the jaw
Increase jaw function
Strengthen the jaw

Physical Therapy TMJ Treatment

After assessing your condition, our therapist will create an individualized treatment plan with the goal of specifically targeting your symptoms. Physical therapy techniques vary, and patients should follow their therapist’s instructions to prevent further injury. Treatment often includes performing certain exercises at home in between sessions. Common treatments include:

Jaw strengthening and jaw stretching exercises

These exercises can help manage pain and increase jaw mobility.

Manual therapy to stretch the jaw

Our therapist may use a hands-on approach to reach the soft muscles of the jaw.

Exercises that improve posture

When you lean or slump slightly forward, there is more pressure on the jaw. Focusing on correcting the posture can help put less strain on the jaw, contributing to less pain.

Heat and ice therapy

Applying a hot compress to the jaw helps the muscles relax, while applying a cold compress helps with swelling and pain. Your therapist will discuss how often and for how long to apply the compress.

Dry needling

Dry needling treatment consists of inserting thin needles into specific areas of the jaw. This can help the muscles to relax and eliminate pain.

Ultrasound Therapy

Through the use of high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound therapy reduces pain and improves jaw function.

Electric stimulation

Our therapist applies eletroduces to the skin of the jaw. Then an electric current runs through a device to the electrodes. The resulting electrical current can help strengthen the jaw muscles and reduce pain.

Lifestyle Changes For TMJ

During treatment for jaw pain, our physical therapy team will likely also recommend a number of ways to improve your symptoms every day. Attending your therapy sessions is important, but continuing to treat your disorder at home can help make a difference when dealing with chronic pain. Some ways to improve jaw pain include: