TMJ/TMD in Columbia

Do you often suffer from headaches, jaw soreness, or hear a clicking sound when you move your jaw? These might be signs of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) syndrome or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). This condition impacts the jaw muscles and nerves, usually due to damage to the TMJ – a critical joint that links your jawbone to your skull. Symptoms can include difficulty while chewing, jaw clicking, facial swelling, nerve discomfort, teeth grinding, and sometimes, even jaw dislocation.

What Causes TMJ Syndrome in Columbia?

TMJ syndrome can emerge from various factors, leading to muscle strain and joint dysfunction. One prevalent cause is poor neck posture, resulting in altered muscle tension and subsequent jaw grinding and TMJ distress. Other factors include:

• Teeth or jaw misalignment or trauma
• Consistent teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Habitual poor posture
• Prolonged stress or anxiety
• Arthritis or similar inflammatory conditions
• Overuse of gum-chewing

Our skilled physical therapists start by conducting a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the primary cause of your TMJ syndrome. This allows us to craft a personalized plan to alleviate your discomfort and restore the natural function of your TMJ. Additionally, we provide you with strategies to maintain optimal jaw movement, ensuring long-term relief.

Our therapists focus on not just immediate symptom relief but also on strategies to prevent recurrence. This includes educating patients on lifestyle changes, ergonomic adjustments at work or home, and daily exercises that can easily be integrated into their routines.

Managing stress is another vital aspect of our treatment plan. Given that stress can aggravate TMD symptoms, our therapists often include relaxation techniques and stress-reduction exercises in our therapy sessions. These methods not only help reduce jaw tension but also enhance overall well-being.

Dietary recommendations are an essential part of our therapy approach. We guide patients on selecting TMJ-friendly foods, which helps minimize jaw strain during eating. This comprehensive approach ensures that our treatment’s benefits extend beyond our therapy sessions, equipping patients with the knowledge and tools they need for effective self-management.

Recognizing the interconnected nature of bodily systems, our therapists also focus on improving overall posture and alignment. This holistic approach addresses any compensatory patterns developed due to TMJ pain, ensuring thorough recovery and reducing future complications. We aim to provide immediate relief and a pathway to sustained health and comfort.

Physical Therapy Evaluation for TMD

Your initial TMJ/TMD evaluation involves a detailed discussion about your symptoms, dietary habits, and any previous TMJ/TMD discomfort treatments. The evaluation may include various tests to determine the best treatment approach.

Our physical therapy assessment might cover the following:

• Assessing the range of neck and jaw movement
• Examining jaw structure
• Identifying joint sounds like clicks or pops
• Evaluating jaw and postural muscle strength
• Analyzing overall posture

After the assessment, we’ll discuss the findings, create a tailored care plan, and set therapy goals.

To manage TMD effectively, it’s recommended to avoid:

• Using teeth as tools
• Habitual nervous chewing
• Eating hard, chewy, or crunchy foods
• Poor posture maintenance
• Stomach sleeping
• Teeth grinding
• High-stress situations

How Can Physical Therapy Help with TMD in Columbia?

Physical therapy is a potent solution for TMD, a condition that causes jaw pain. A TMD-certified physical therapist can identify the root cause of your discomfort and enhance jaw functionality.
Our physical therapists use non-invasive methods to reduce pain and restore natural jaw movement. Specializing in TMD evaluations and treatments, we offer comprehensive assessments and personalized care plans with various treatment options. Physical therapy can effectively manage TMD, even in cases of severe, persistent symptoms.

Visit Our TMD Specialists in Columbia

Our TMJ physical therapy approach focuses on relaxing and stretching tight muscles and breaking down scar tissue. Often, physical therapy can resolve TMJ issues, making surgery unnecessary. However, in cases where surgery is essential, physical therapy plays a vital role in recovery, helping to minimize scar tissue, alleviate muscle tightness, and ensure complete rehabilitation. Contact us today for more information.