A comprehensive temporomandibular rehabilitiation program by a qualified physical therapist can, for example, assist patients with regaining their ability to chew with less pain, open their mouth with less pain as in yawning, and educate on decreasing stressors to the TMJ.
Common Conditions that can be successfully treated by a Physical Therapist:
- Joint Inflammation
- Joint Hypermobility
- Joint Hypomobility
- Masticatory Muscle Pain
- Facial Pain
- Cervical Pain/Headaches
Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders:
Modalities: To decrease muscle guarding, stimulate healing, and as a preparatory for other treatments. (Ultrasound Moist Heat, Infrared Therapy, Electrical Stimulation.)
Exercise: To coordinate jaw biomechanics by increasing rotation and decreasing translation on the TMJ during opening. Neck Stretching and strengthening if thought that the cervical spine is contributing to TMD.
Stress Management: Techniques include diaphramatic breathing, parafunction awareness, self-massage, visualization stretching and selected modalities.
Manual Therapy: Cervical and TMJ mobilization. Soft-tissue mobilization
Home Exercise Program: Program designed specifically to promote self-care and carryover from treatment sessions.
Click here for more information on temporomandibular disorders.