Temporomandibular Joint

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint—the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. TMJ syndrome is a pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems.

When their jaw is in pain, some people confuse the issue by saying “I have TMJ”, when what they actually have is something called TMD (Temporomandibular Dysfunction). Often it is your dentist who will diagnose you with TMD.

There are many different dysfunctions that involve the TMJ itself, the surrounding musculature, and the other surrounding joints. Depending on the individual, TMD symptoms may include:

• pain at the jaw or near the ear
• head and neck pain
• Facial pain, ear pain  
• popping, clicking, or locking of the jaw
• difficulty eating hard foods
• headaches
• pain with laughing, yawning and eating

 Patients who present with any of these symptoms can benefit from TMD treatment.

LeMoine Physical Therapy TMJ Treatment

If you were recently diagnosed with Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), consider LeMoine Physical Therapy for TMJ treatment. Here at LeMoine Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing high quality outpatient physical therapy services from our warm and welcoming facilities. We understand the difficulties those with TMD face with everyday activities that were once effortless and painless. Through various physical therapy based treatments, we may be able to restore normal function and reduce pain in surrounding areas. Contact us today to speak with a qualified member of our team and learn more about the various treatment options we offer for TMD.

Contact LeMoine Physical Therapy Today

At LeMoine Physical Therapy we offer physical therapy based treatments for your TMD. Our team of primary healthcare professionals are fully committed to helping our patients along their path to regain a sense of normalcy and overcome the debilitating symptoms that TMD can have in everyday life. Through a goal oriented approach to TMJ issues, we strive to help our patients progress towards a full recovery. Starting with hands-on in office treatments we empower our patients to actively participate in the recovery process. We also make an effort to educate patients regarding things they can do at home to aid in recovery so that there can be a continual effort to progress towards meeting goals that we will set. Our knowledgeable and experienced team share a passion for helping our community stay active.

At Home Exercises for Temporomandibular Dysfunction

After your initial visit with us, we may send you home with exercises that you can do on your own time to help with the debilitating symptoms of TMD. At home exercises are an essential component to treating TMD. We encourage our patients to actively participate in their own recovery, at home exercises are one way to ensure consistent efforts are being made towards recovery goals.

Exercises for Temporomandibular Dysfunction are thought to help relieve the symptoms and may help prevent future worsening of symptoms. Such jaw exercises can help with the following:

• strengthen jaw muscles
• stretch the jaw
• relax the jaw
• increase jaw mobility
• reduce jaw clicking
• promote jaw healing

We may recommend exercises that relieve pain and improve the movement of your jaw joints. For some exercises, there are frequency recommendations which may be discussed during your in-office sessions.

Our Team 

Our friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable team will always greet you with a smile and will make an effort to make you feel at-home when visiting our offices. We genuinely care about each of our patients and will make every effort to make your visits productive and comfortable. When you become a patient at LeMoine Physical Therapy, you become a member of our physical therapy family! 

A Personal Approach to Health & Wellness

By offering our patients the highest quality of care, we work to make your treatment experiences productive, yet fun. Patients describe our office as warm and inviting. If you are struggling with TMJ related pain or discomfort, at LeMoine Physical Therapy our knowledgeable staff is here to welcome you with a smile to talk about your situation and potential treatment options.

Overcoming TMJ Challenges With Physical Therapy

TMJ physical therapy offers an effective path to alleviating painful issues, helping us regain comfort and functionality. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be a real hindrance, causing discomfort and limiting our ability to perform everyday tasks. These disorders often stem from various factors, including stress, injury, arthritis, or poor posture.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The TMJ connects our jawbone to the skull, playing a crucial role in talking, chewing, and swallowing. When this joint is affected by dysfunction or pain, it can significantly impact our quality of life. Symptoms might include jaw pain, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth, headaches, earaches, and even shoulder pain.

Role Of Physical Therapy

TMJ physical therapy focuses on improving the movement and function of muscles and joints. For TMJ disorders, skilled physical therapists like our team at LeMoine Physical Therapy will tailor a treatment plan to address the specific issues we face. This might include exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles, manual therapy to improve joint mobility, and education on proper posture and habits to avoid further stress on the TMJ.

Exercises And Techniques

A key component of physical therapy for TMJ disorders involves exercises designed to strengthen and relax the muscles around the joint. These might include gentle stretching, resistance exercises, and techniques to improve coordination and alignment. Over time, these exercises help reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and enhance overall function.

Manual therapy is another critical technique used by physical therapists. This hands-on approach involves the therapist applying gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles and joints around the TMJ. This can help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing in the affected area.

Posture And Lifestyle Adjustments

Our posture plays a significant role in the health of our TMJ. Poor posture, especially when working at a desk or using electronic devices, can contribute to TMJ disorders. Physical therapists educate us on maintaining proper posture and making necessary lifestyle adjustments to alleviate strain on the jaw. This might include ergonomic changes at our workstation, stress management techniques, and advice on avoiding habits like teeth grinding or clenching.

Benefits Of Physical Therapy

The benefits of TMJ physical therapy are numerous. Through targeted exercises and manual techniques, physical therapy can help us achieve significant pain relief, improved jaw function, and a better quality of life. Additionally, learning about proper posture and habits can prevent the recurrence of TMJ issues in the future.

Physical therapy offers a holistic approach to treating TMJ disorders, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes. By working with a skilled physical therapist, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that fits our unique needs and goals.

Our Commitment To Your Well-being

With years of experience,  our team at LeMoine Physical Therapy understands that dealing with TMJ disorders can be challenging and impact various aspects of our lives. We believe that informed clients are empowered clients. Physical therapy is a valuable resource in overcoming TMJ challenges, providing effective and non-invasive solutions. If you or a loved one is struggling with TMJ issues, we encourage you to explore physical therapy as a potential path to relief.