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TMJ DYSFUNCTION
At Voltex Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a common condition that affects the jaw, causing pain, discomfort, and limited movement. As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to TMJ therapy, combining advanced techniques like dry needling, manual therapy, and customized exercises to relieve your pain, reduce clicking, and restore normal function.
What Is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction?
The TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and plays a crucial role in many of your daily activities, like speaking, eating, and breathing. TMJ dysfunction occurs when there’s a problem with the muscles, ligaments, or the joint itself, which can lead to pain, clicking, limited movement, and headaches.
Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
- Headaches or earaches
- Neck or shoulder pain related to jaw tension
Comprehensive Assessment
To provide the most effective treatment, we begin with a thorough assessment of your TMJ. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy will evaluate:
- Jaw movement patterns to assess limitations and dysfunction.
- TMJ musculature to identify areas of tension or tightness that could be contributing to pain or dysfunction.
- Posture to detect misalignments that may be impacting the jaw and surrounding muscles.
- Functionality of the TMJ, looking for signs of clicking, locking, or painful motion.
How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction
After completing your evaluation, we design a personalized treatment plan using advanced techniques to address the root causes of your TMJ dysfunction. Treatment may include:
Dry Needling of TMJ Musculature: One of our specialized treatments is dry needling, where we target the muscles around the TMJ that are contributing to pain or dysfunction. This helps to release muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, ultimately improving the TMJ disc function.
Manual Therapy: Our team uses manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. This includes gentle mobilizations of the TMJ to relieve stiffness, reduce clicking, and restore normal movement patterns.
Postural and Jaw Exercises: We’ll guide you through specific exercises designed to improve jaw alignment, strengthen muscles, and increase mobility. These exercises help you maintain proper jaw function and prevent future discomfort.
Pain Relief Strategies: We’ll utilize additional techniques like heat and cold therapy, as well as muscle relaxation exercises, to reduce pain and alleviate discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Benefits of TMJ Therapy
Our TMJ therapy is designed to provide you with lasting relief and improved function. Benefits of our approach include:
- Pain Relief: Reduction in jaw, face, and neck pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
- Decreased Clicking: Alleviate clicking and popping sounds in the jaw, helping you move more freely.
- Improved Jaw Mobility: Restore normal movement patterns, making it easier to open and close your mouth without discomfort.
- Headache Relief: Reduce tension that can lead to headaches or earaches related to TMJ dysfunction.
- Long-Term Results: A customized program designed to keep your TMJ functioning optimally and prevent recurring issues.
Experience the Difference with Voltex Physical Therapy
At Voltex Physical Therapy, our Doctors of Physical Therapy specialize in treating TMJ dysfunction using a personalized, evidence-based approach. We combine the most effective treatments available, including dry needling, manual therapy, and tailored exercises, to ensure you experience lasting relief from your symptoms and regain full jaw function.
Whether you’re experiencing pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing, we’re here to help you find relief and return to a pain-free life.
Contact us today (512) 200-4067 to schedule your FREE 15-min consultation.