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WEST WINDSOR
186 Princeton Hightstown Rd #104
West Windsor Township, NJ 08550
(201) 508-9143
Physical Therapy for Tmj Pain (Temporomandibular Disorders)
TMJ pain also known as (TMD) temporomandibular joint disorder is a very complex area when it is affected individuals may suffer from pain, tightness, weakness, and headaches from the functionality of the TMJ joint. TMJ therapists joint coordinates the function of chewing, swallowing and the stabilization of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle. TMJ pain affects patients in various ways not being able to chew without pain, cracking or an audible noise when opening / closing the mouth, headaches, migraines and muscle aggravation throughout the neck, face and shoulder region. Through proper joint training the TMJ pain will regain proper balance. The rehabilitation program will be aimed at eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and increasing stability within whole joint.
Anatomy / Function
The TMJ joint connects the mandible to the skull. The TMJ joint is composed of very important ligaments and muscles.
Muscles:
- Opening – inferior head of lateral pterygoid, anterior digastric, mylohyoid.
- Closing – masseter, anterior and middle temporalis, medial pterygoid, superior head lateral pterygoid.
- Protrusion – bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid.
- Retrusion – middle and posterior temporalis, posterior portion of masseter.
- Laterotrusion – ipsilateral middle and posterior temporalis, contralateral inferior head lateral pterygoid.
Ligaments:
- Temporomandibular ligament
- Stylomandibular ligament
- Oto-mandibular ligaments
- Discomalleolar ligament
- Anterior malleolar ligament
The muscles are responsible for mastification (chewing) these muscles are one of the strongest muscles in the human body. The load transfer through the TMJ joint exceeds 200lbs when opening and closing the mouth. The TMJ treatment in maywood location also plays a very important role in balance.
Symptoms / Causes
TMJ pain is dependent on the area and structures that have been irritated and influenced causing the brain to fire nociception to specific areas of your joint. TMJ pain has been often mistaken to be a tooth issue where the patient will go to a dentist for relief. The teeth or structural abnormalities of your bite are rarely responsible for TMJ pain. Most research shows stress and tension as a causative factor of the disorder. Symptoms of TMJ pain include but are not limited to:
Diagnosis
At Town Physical Therapy the doctor will begin with a comprehensive examination which will address the onset, cause, duration, severity, vectors that cause the TMJ pain. TMJ pain rarely if ever requires any radiological referral.
Comprehensive TMJ Pain Treatment
Our Town Physical Therapy we have extensive experience treating TMJ pain. Based on a functional evaluation we create an individual tmj treatment plan. TMJ is a muscular joint and muscular dysfunction within the joint causing misalignment. We will treat the TMJ treatment pain both outside the face and intraorally to release specific muscles. TMJ pain has a deep connection with neck muscles and overuse of muscles causing referral pain and headaches which will all be determined and treated accordingly. Also besides releasing superficial neck muscles the doctors and physical therapists will treat the deep cervical fascia.
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Physical Therapy Treatments for the Entire Body
Conditions We Treat
At Town Physical Therapy, we treat a variety of conditions, including ankle pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, joint injuries, sports injuries, vertigo, balance disorders, and more. Our skilled team provides personalized care to help you recover and return to your daily activities. Whatever the challenge, we’re committed to helping you achieve better movement and improved quality of life.
