Our therapists successfully treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD), commonly referred to as TMJ. The temperomandibular joint is the joint on each side of your head, in front of your ears, where the lower jaw bone meets your skull. The proper, healthy function of the TMJ region requires normal structure and function of all the parts: muscles, nervous system, ligaments, bones, cartilage, connecting tissue and the bite itself.
Symptoms of TMD may include: pain and/or tenderness in the face, jaw and neck; a limited ability to open your mouth very wide; the jaw “stuck” or “locked” in one position; clicking, popping or grating in the joint itself, difficulty chewing, “tired” facial muscles and possibly swelling near the TMJ. Other symptoms may include headaches, earaches, toothaches and dizziness.
There are 3 types of TMD, all which are treated here at RCI:
- Myofascial pain, the most common TMD, involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function.
- Internal derangement of the TMJ involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the joint.
- Arthritis refers to a group of degenerative/inflammatory joint disorders that can affect the TMJ.
Upon evaluation, your physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. This could include myofascial release, electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, ultrasound and exercises. We accept referrals from dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, specialists and primary care physicians. Please call (302) 478-5240 or (302) 655-5877, to schedule an appointment to get you, and your jaw, back on track.
Here are some helpful tips you can try to help relieve TMJ discomfort at home.
- Apply moist heat or ice for 10 minutes at a time.
- Eat soft foods when possible, and cut more solid foods into small pieces or take smaller bites.
- Try to limit your jaw movements: avoid ice/gum and keep yelling and yawning at a minimum.
- Be aware of your posture at all times, do not cradle a phone between your shoulder and ear or rest your chin in your hands.
- Try to keep you jaw relaxed with teeth slightly apart. You might try holding your tongue between your front teeth to prevent grinding or clenching.
