Katy Physical Therapist Explains How Can Physical Therapy Help With TMJ Pain
People with jaw pain or trouble moving their jaw due to temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may wonder, “Can physical therapy help TMJ pain?” The answer is yes, according to the physical therapists at Katy, TX-based Spero Rehab. Physical therapy’s combination of education, therapeutic exercises, and hands-on treatments reduces pain and prevents other recurring symptoms of TMD.
Can Physical Therapy Help TMJ Pain From TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is a hinge joint that connects the temporal bone in the skull to the mandible (jaw) and makes it possible to open, close, and move your jaw side-to-side. Without it, eating, speaking, and swallowing would be impossible.
If something prevents the TMJ from working properly, either an issue within the joint or the surrounding muscles and ligaments, the result is a long list of symptoms. Pain and soreness are the most common, but this disorder can also make it difficult to open and close the mouth and cause headaches, earaches, dizziness, jaw noises, and problems with eating and speaking.
The most common reasons for TMD include constant jaw clenching, tooth grinding, and poor posture, but the condition is also related to trauma (like a car accident), poor teeth alignment, and arthritis. Stress is a common factor, as well.
How Seeing a Physical Therapist in Katy, TX, Helps With TMJ Pain
Treating TMD and managing TMJ pain requires a multifaceted approach, which may include dental or orthodontic treatments. With that in mind, how can physical therapy help TMJ pain?
A physical therapist can help restore proper jaw motion with a treatment plan that includes:
- Exercises to improve overall posture and body mechanics
- Joint mobilization to alleviate stiffness and restore jaw movement
- Soft tissue release on the face, jaw, and inside the mouth to address muscle spasms and tightness
- Multiple treatment modalities, such as ice, heat, or electrical stimulation, to help release soft tissues
- Education about stress management and relaxation techniques to prevent jaw-clenching
Undergoing physical therapy in Katy, TX, to address jaw pain can help ensure proper body alignment and mechanics, preventing the pain and other discomforts of TMD.
Contact Spero Rehab in Katy, TX, to Incorporate Physical Therapy Into Your TMD Treatment Plan
Spero Rehab in Katy, Texas, specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation for a long list of musculoskeletal conditions, including TMD. Those who want to learn more about options for chronic pain relief or still wonder, “Can physical therapy help TMJ?” can request an appointment by calling 281-395-9090.
