Temporomandibular Disorders
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. “TMDs” refers to the disorders, and “TMJ” refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself. There are three main classes of TMDs:
How can Physical Therapy help with TMDs?
Physical therapy can help evaluation all three classes of TMD's. While your dentist can help with bite adjustments, night guards, and other appliances, physical therapists can help restore normal muscle tone and strength to the muscles used to move your jaw, identify and modify external stressors on the jaw, and assist with self strategies for pain control. The combination of proper dental care and physical therapy can have profound effects on pain surrounding the jaw.
What should I expect when I come to physical therapy for TMDs?
Physical therapy for TMD's involves a comprehensive assessment of both history of the symptoms and an evaluation of the movement of your jaw and the muscles that are controlling it. Often, patients who are experiencing TMD are also dealing with neck pain and/or headaches which may involve evaluation of these areas as well. Treatment is based on evaluation findings, but may include muscle release, dry needling, myofascial release, and/or exercises to restore normal movement patterns.
Our Team
- Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders.
- Disorders of the muscles used for chewing (masticatory muscles).
- Headaches associated with a TMD.
How can Physical Therapy help with TMDs?
Physical therapy can help evaluation all three classes of TMD's. While your dentist can help with bite adjustments, night guards, and other appliances, physical therapists can help restore normal muscle tone and strength to the muscles used to move your jaw, identify and modify external stressors on the jaw, and assist with self strategies for pain control. The combination of proper dental care and physical therapy can have profound effects on pain surrounding the jaw.
What should I expect when I come to physical therapy for TMDs?
Physical therapy for TMD's involves a comprehensive assessment of both history of the symptoms and an evaluation of the movement of your jaw and the muscles that are controlling it. Often, patients who are experiencing TMD are also dealing with neck pain and/or headaches which may involve evaluation of these areas as well. Treatment is based on evaluation findings, but may include muscle release, dry needling, myofascial release, and/or exercises to restore normal movement patterns.
Our Team
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Ryan Goodman, PT, SCS, Owner
Ryan is a board-certified sports PT and was the team physical therapist for the Columbus Blue Jackets for 10 seasons. He has over 17 years of experience and is certified in dry needling, including advanced training for jaw pain. |
