TMJ Pain Relief
Are you experiencing jaw pain? TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can make it hard to focus on the things you enjoy. If you’re part of the 5% to 12% of the world’s population who struggle with TMJ syndrome, you know how frustrating this condition is. But there’s good news. With physical therapy treatment, TMJ relief is possible—and you can take the first step today.
At Chiron Physical Therapy, we focus on correcting the root causes of your pain. By identifying alignment issues, posture abnormalities, and other dysfunctions, we can develop an effective physical therapy plan for your TMJ. Take the first step today and find out just how quickly we can improve your pain. Especially because you don’t need a referral to start treatment thanks to Direct Access! Ready to try physical therapy for your TMJ? CONTACT US today at Chiron, serving patients in Aldie, South Riding, Stone Ridge, and the surrounding Loudoun County, Virginia communities. Let us help you start the process towards a pain-free life!
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw bone to your skull. You have two of these joints—one on each side of your face. The joint slides forward and drops down whenever you talk, eat, or drink. It relies on many complex physical structures like fluid-filled sacs, tendons, and ligaments to work correctly.
When your joint no longer functions correctly, often due to improper alignment or posture, you experience pain in your jaw. TMJ disorder may affect your joint itself, or it may affect the muscles you use to chew. Headaches resulting from TMJ dysfunction are also classified as TMJ disorders. You may even experience earaches, toothaches, or pain in your neck and shoulders when your temporomandibular joint doesn’t function correctly.
What Causes TMJ?
It’s not always easy to figure out why some patients develop TMJ syndrome. Female patients are more likely than male patients to suffer from this condition. It’s also more common in younger patients than in older ones. Other risk factors include:
- Injury to your jaw
- Osteoarthritis, when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time
- Dental problems, such as night grinding or improper alignment
- Stress that causes you to clench your teeth, sometimes without realizing it
- Sitting or standing with poor posture
- Chewing or biting non-food items, including gum
No matter what caused your TMJ pain, you don’t have to be stuck with the pain forever. Treatment for your TMJ, along with appropriate lifestyle changes, can provide lasting pain relief.
How To Treat TMJ With Physical Therapy For Your Jaw
You might associate physical therapy with back pain or neck pain, but it can also be an effective way to get TMJ relief. Our family of specialists at Chiron Physical Therapy will perform an in-depth analysis of your head and jaw, along with your whole body, to find any alignment problems or other dysfunctions. After a thorough evaluation, we’ll develop a treatment plan. Our temporomandibular joint dysfunction therapies focus on restoring movement and function to your jaw. We also work with you to correct posture issues and alignment of your entire body. Physical therapy for TMJ relief will aim to:
- Reduce Pain and Swelling: We will use different types of treatments and technologies to reduce your pain and swelling including non-invasive, FDA-approved laser therapy which uses your body’s own natural healing process to speed recovery, ice, heat, and/or electrical stimulation.
- Improve Range of Motion: We will work to restore normal motion and agility, improve flexibility, and decrease strain through exercise and hands-on treatment (manual therapy).
- Improve Strength: We will design a program to target muscle weakness or imbalances, which may have contributed to or now exist as a result.
- Functional Training: Once your pain, strength, and motion improve, we address movements and tasks that are required in your daily and recreational life.
At Chiron Physical Therapy, we understand that every part of your body is interconnected. When we provide physical therapy for your jaw, we’ll also assess and treat issues in other parts of your body that could be exacerbating your symptoms.
Lasting TMJ Relief Is Possible. Ready To Start Physical Therapy Treatment for Your TMJ in Virginia?
Our team of dedicated professionals at Chiron Physical Therapy are ready to treat your jaw pain and help you achieve lasting TMJ relief. Located conveniently for our patients near South Riding, Chantilly, Aldie, Stone Ridge, and the surrounding communities of Loudoun County, Virginia. CONTACT US today and say goodbye to TMJ pain!