The TMJ is the most used joint in the body each day and Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) is the second most common musculoskeletal condition behind only low back pain. TMD typically will go through cycles where patients experience pain and discomfort, while also having periods of time of little to no pain or discomfort. But despite being a very common condition, there aren’t a lot of providers that specifically treat TMD.

In Physical Therapy, a thorough assessment is performed including assessing joint mobility of the TMJ, neck, upper back; postural assessment, and muscle strength and flexibility to try to determine the cause of the symptoms. Depending on the findings, patients can expect hands-on treatment including joint mobilizations to address any limitations and soft tissue massage to address any dysfunction within the facial and neck/upper back musculature. Patients also will be instructed in exercises and provided an individualized home exercise program to retrain the jaw musculature and improve the strength and endurance of postural musculature. The Racabado 6-Exercises are commonly used exercises for the treatment of TMD symptoms which focus on restoring resting jaw position, appropriate muscle activation with jaw opening, and postural exercises.

There are a lot of simple things people can do on their own to decrease the stress and strain on the TMJ and muscles including (click on the link to get TMJ Self-Care Handout):

• Eating soft foods - avoid chewy and hard foods

• Stop chewing gum, biting nails, and clenching teeth; avoid singing and yawning

• Decrease stress by deep breathing, meditation, regular physical activity

• Take posture breaks with computer work or using phone

If you are interested in learning more or about treatment options, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email connectptnd@gmail.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Connect Physical Therapy.

- Alison Fuhrman, PT, DPT, CMPT, OCS