TMJ/TMD in Portland
What causes TMJ syndrome?
Multiple factors contribute to muscle tightness and dysfunction that characterize this condition. Most often, poor posture and neck alignment change the pull of the muscles that make your jaw move. This causes painful grinding and irritation of the TMJ. Other causes may include:
- Poor alignment of or trauma to the teeth or jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Poor posture
- Stress
- Arthritis or other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders
- Excessive gum chewing
A lot can be done to help TMJ, first starting with a thorough evaluation of your problem with our expert physical therapists. Once the root cause of your problem has been discovered, a comprehensive plan can be developed to quickly relieve your pain and restore natural movement to your TMJ. Furthermore, our physical therapists will teach you techniques for regaining normal jaw movement for long-lasting results.
What happens during a TMD physical therapy evaluation in Portland?
Initial evaluation will take place on your first visit to a PT with TMD/TMJ. The PT will discuss your condition and ask questions about your jaw pain. Your eating habits and any other activities that could cause irritation to your jaw will also be discussed. The PT may also ask you about any previous treatment for TMJ/TMD pain. During the PT evaluation, you may also need to have several tests done in order to determine a baseline measurement.
A PT evaluation could include the following components:
- Measuring the neck and jaw range of motion
- Evaluation of the jaw structures
- Listening to clicks and clicks in a joint environment
- This is the measurement of strength in the jaw and postural muscles
- Assessing your posture
After your evaluation is completed, your physical therapist will talk with you about the results, create a plan for care, and work with you to set goals for your therapy.
What to Avoid
There are some things that you should avoid if you have TMD.
- Use your teeth as tools
- Nervous chewing
- Hard, chewy or crunchy food
- Poor posture
- You should sleep on your stomach
- Teeth grinding
- Stress
What can physical therapy do to help TMD?
TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw. TMD can be treated with physical therapy. A TMD certified physical therapist can diagnose the root cause of your pain, and help improve your jaw movement.
Non-invasive treatments are used by physical therapists to reduce pain and restore natural movement in your jaw.
TMD evaluations and treatment are a specialty of PT-360 physical therapists. Please schedule an appointment to get a TMD assessment. A personalized care plan with a variety of treatment options can also be created for you. TMD can be effectively managed with physical therapy, even if the symptoms are severe and long-lasting.
See Our TMD Specialists in Portland
The focus of physical therapy for TMJ is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles and scar tissue. In most cases, physical therapy can resolve TMJ and prevent the need for surgery. However, in cases where surgery is absolutely necessary, physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process, as it helps minimize scar tissue formation, muscle tightness and allows for a complete recovery. For more information, Contact us today.
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Lindsay R.
“I have a huge debt of gratitude for the PTs at 360. I have been healing this past year from frozen shoulder, which is about as painful as it sounds. I feel lucky to have found PT 360, as the methods and training I received was top notch. This is not a PT clinic that phones it in! Candis was my main PT. She was always encouraging through the peaks and valleys of rehabilitation, and found ways to customize exercises to my lifestyle and schedule. And she has a great sense of humor, which I appreciated. There is an overwhelming sense of care when you walk through their doors. As the entire staff at 360 works as one team. And their goal is clear, which is to heal all those who seek the help they need.”
Quincy Y.
“The Wizards at PT360 have far exceeded my expectations and hopes of PTs in the area. I’ve been plagued with back pain and weak shoulder for years. With their talented team of experts they were able to get me not only pain free, but they encouraged me to gently return to my hobbies as part of my treatment. I had a mild relapse a few sessions back, and within a single session had alleviated all my symptoms and I was back on track to continued progress. I love the experience which each therapist, the operate like a hive mind and look forward to every session regardless of who I’m scheduled to see. 12/10 would recommend.”