TMJ Physical Therapy in Berkeley Heights

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular joint, a joint that exists between the jawbone and skull. Many people suffer from various types of TMJ disorders or temporomandibular disorders and experience grinding teeth, headaches, and jaw pain. The exact cause of TMD is not known, although a past joint injury can sometimes result in TMJ issues. 

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

If you are suffering from a TMJ disorder, you may experience jaw pain, jaw tightness, grinding teeth at night, or headaches. This condition can also be indicated by difficulty eating, ear pain, facial pain, or jaw lock. TMJ pain is often mild and temporary. Although some patients do benefit from TMJ surgery, invasive interventions are rarely necessary. 

Physical Therapy Treatments for Jaw Pain

Your physical therapist may be able to help if you're suffering from a TMJ disorder. Jaw pain physical therapy can help by helping the joint to relax and stretch. The physical therapy process aims to help release tightness within the muscle and any scar tissue that may exist. 

Physical therapists use exercise to treat conditions rather than invasive medical interventions. Physical therapy is also hugely beneficial for anyone recovering from TMJ surgery because it can help minimize postoperative scar tissue formation. Treating a TMJ disorder may help ease teeth grinding, helping to prevent future dental issues. 

Commonly used physical therapy for TMJ disorders includes:

• Exercising the jaw to improve range of motion.

• Heat or ice therapy.

• Massage therapy to help ease muscle tension.

• Targeted jaw movement. 

Your treatment regimens will vary depending on your unique situation, as well as your physical therapist's determination of your needs. Overall, physical therapy is a helpful intervention to help reduce TMJ pain, relieve muscle tension, and minimize scar tissue. If you have recently recovered from TMJ surgery, your physician will likely recommend physical therapy to aid in your recovery.