17 Aug How Can I Treat My TMJ?
Physical Therapist in Canandaigua
TMJ, known as the temporomandibular joint, is the joint that links your jaw to your skull. When the temporomandibular joint is damaged or injured, it leads to pain called temporomandibular joint syndrome. Damages or injuries to the jaw, head, or neck could lead to TMJ. Lake Country Physical Therapy, our physical therapist in Canandaigua, will use a manual technique to reduce pain and relax the nervous system in order to treat your TMJ.
TMJ Symptoms
If you are feeling any clicking, locking, or popping when opening or closing your mouth, it might be time to visit our physical therapist in Canandaigua. Other symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Pain in the temple area
Common causes of TMJ include:
- Teeth grinding
- Injury to the teeth
- Stress
- Arthritis
Care plans for TMJ include joint mobilization and manipulation and pain reflex release techniques.
Treatment
Our physical therapist in Canandaigua will conduct an evaluation of the jaw, head, and neck to locate the limited range of motion, areas of pain, and weakness in muscles. This evaluation will tell us if we need to do an associated awareness practice or pain reflex release practice. Associated awareness restores balance in the brain, which will stop repeating pain patterns in the body. The pain reflex release technique helps to stop painful patterns from reoccurring.
Some basic jaw exercises include:
- Goldfish exercise – Have your tongue rest on the roof of your mouth with one finger on your ear and another finger on your chin. Lower your jaw at a slow pace then close your mouth. You should feel some resistance but no pain.
- Chin tucks – With your shoulders back and your chest puffed out, create a double chin motion by pulling your chin back into your neck. Hold this pose for three seconds and repeat ten times.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding TMJ treatment, contact our physical therapist near Canandaigua today.
