3 Ways PT Can Relieve Pain from TMD

Featured Therapist: Becca O’Neal, PT, DPT

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is a common condition that affects the jaw (TMJ), including limitation in movement of the jaw joint. Pain and discomfort associated with TMD is not limited to the jaw. Many patients diagnosed with TMD later learn that their headaches, neck pain and other symptoms are associated with their TMD. Symptoms include jaw pain, jaw fatigue, dizziness, headaches, neck pain, locking jaw or an asymptomatic click/pop.

There are many potential causes of TMD including, but not limited to:

– General anatomy

– Dysfunction of the mandibular growth plate

– Posture (home, office, recreational activities)

– Grinding teeth “Bruxism”

– Missing teeth

– Psychosocial reasons

– Weight bearing through the TMJ

Here’s how physical therapy can help with symptoms associated with TMD:

Postural Corrections for Jaw Pain and Headaches

Jaw pain can cause headaches from increased tension or referral patterns from muscles involved with the joint. Headaches also come from poor posture and decreased upper cervical mobility that led to TMJ. The poor mobility hinders muscles from working efficiently and therefore cause headaches.

In almost any environment, your posture greatly affects the way your body carries weight and handles stress on your bones and joints. As movement experts, our therapists identify any potential red flags when it comes to your posture at work, during exercise, sitting or even driving. Incorrect posture can lead to tension in your muscles and joints that affect your mobility. Poor posture can also result in aches and pains throughout your neck and jaw, but the good news is we can help you correct it!

Hands-On Treatment to Ease Pain on the Jaw Joint

Our PT’s can address TMD with various treatment techniques with the end goal to ease pain, improve movement and reduce stress on the joint.

– Manual jaw mobilizations to improve joint mechanics

– Functional dry needling to address muscular restrictions or dysfunction

– Manual therapy techniques used on the cervical spine and the thoracic spine

– Manual soft tissue mobilizations

Physician Relationships to Enhance Patient Care

At TherapySouth, we pride ourselves on the strong relationships we’ve established and continue to foster beyond our professional field. Our physical therapists work directly with dentists and orthodontists in our communities to address TMD. Not only do we advocate for in-depth patient care, but we also take time to educate both physicians and patients alike on the causes of TMD and the and treatment options we offer. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, ask your dentist about sending you to physical therapy!

TMD is something that affects so many people, but most patients don’t associate physical therapists with treating TMD. We are proud to have many passionate, knowledgeable, and experienced therapists who help relieve pain and restore healing for those diagnosed with TMD.