Can TMJ Physical Therapy Help

Physical therapy is one of the many effective means of treating Temporo-Mandibular Joint disorder, or TMJ disorder as it is commonly called. Usually, physical therapy is recommended along with other measures like use of painkillers, a TMJ appliance or even surgery. However, simply using painkillers or TMJ appliances will not restore complete functionality of the jaw without proper physical therapy. Even in the case of surgery, you will require physical therapy post surgery to ensure that you are able to use your jaw properly.

Physical Therapy

It is important to remember that TMJ physical therapy is designed to relieve symptoms of TMJ, not to cure the condition itself. A patient has to combine a form of TMJ remedy along with physical therapy. It is also important to remember that physical therapy does not produce results overnight. You will need to put in time and dedication for it to be effective. You can begin your physical therapy by contacting a TMJ dentist who will show you the right exercises depending upon the severity of your problem.

Rocabado’s 6×6 Exercise Program

The Rocabado’s 6×6 exercise program has been known to be very effective in helping pain relief and proper movement of the jaw in people suffering from TMJ. This TMJ physical therapy consists of 6 activities that need to be performed 6 times a day for 6 days for effective results. Activities in this exercise program include Tongue Clucking, Controlled TMJ Rotation on Opening, Mandibular Rhythmic Stabilization, Upper Cervical Distraction, Axial Extension of the Cervical Spine and Shoulder Girdle Retraction.

Jaw Deviation Correction Exercises

A jaw is said to be deviated when there is an unnatural shifting of the jaw to any one side. This is very common in patients suffering from TMJ. When they open their mouths fully, their jaws are not aligned to one another. This can be easily noticed if you try opening your mouth in front of the mirror. Over time, the good side of the jaw may become overused and painful, as a result. It is also recommended that TMJ physical therapy is done in front of a mirror, so that you can be aware of the hindrances as well as the progress you make.

Muscle Relaxation Exercises

A lot of pain caused by TMJ is muscular in nature. This happens when a muscle in the jaw stiffens up and stays stiff. This stiffness can cause constriction of blood vessels and blood cannot flow in and out of the muscles. It is therefore important to get these muscles relaxed by gently stretching them. This is where appropriate TMJ physical therapy is required to ensure that you do not further strain your muscles, but relax them gently.

Other Exercises

There are other exercises that are a part of TMJ physical therapy. Some of them include Jaw Opening Correction Exercises, Cervical Mobilization Exercises, TMJ Mobility Exercises, TMJ Stability Exercises, etc. Altogether, these exercises form a comprehensive rehabilitation program for people suffering from TMJ disorder.