Can Physical Therapy Help TMJ
Physical therapy is among the most effective ways of treating Temporo-Mandibular Joint disorder, or TMJ disorder as it is frequently described. Normally, physical therapy is suggested as well as other steps like pain medicines, a TMJ appliance or perhaps surgical treatment. Simply using painkillers or TMJ appliances is not going to return full performance of the jaw without correct physical therapy specified for TMJ sufferers. Even in the event of surgical treatment, you'll need physical therapy post-surgery to make certain you can use your jaw correctly.
Physical Therapy
It is very important keep in mind that TMJ physical therapy was designed to reduce symptoms of TMJ, physical therapy by itself cannot cure the TMJ problem. The patient needs to blend a TMJ treatment in addition to physical therapy. It's also crucial to bear in mind that physical therapy will not produce results instantaneously. You will have to devote some time and commit to a daily routine to ensure your results. Start your physical therapy by making an appointment with a TMJ dentist who will demonstrate the proper exercises based upon the degree of your condition.
Rocabado’s 6×6 Exercise Program
The Rocabado’s 6×6 exercise program continues to be regarded as quite effective in reducing TMJ pain with corrected movements of the jaw in individuals experiencing TMJ. This TMJ physical therapy contains 6 routines that must be completed six times each day for six days to get beneficial results. Routines in this program involve Tongue Clucking, Controlled TMJ Rotation upon Opening, Mandibular Rhythmic Stabilization, Upper Cervical Distraction, Axial Extension of the Cervical Spine and Shoulder Girdle Retraction. Your TMJ dentist can demonstrate these exercises for you.
Jaw Deviation Correction Exercises
A jaw is considered deviated or misaligned when there is an abnormal moving of the jaw to a single side. This can be quite typical in TMJ sufferers. Whenever they open their mouths completely, their jaws will not be aligned. This is very easily seen by trying opening your mouth as you're watching your mouth and jaw in a mirror. After a while of this deviation, the good side of the jaw can become overused and quite painful. Incidentally, is advised that TMJ physical therapy be performed facing a mirror, to be able to pay attention to any problems and also to see the improvements you are making.
Muscle Relaxation Exercises
A great deal of pain brought on by TMJ is muscular in nature. This takes place whenever a muscle within the jaw stiffens up and remains rigid. This rigidity causes constriction of blood vessels and the blood is unable to circulate in and out of the muscles easily and effortlessly. Therefore, it is crucial that you get these muscles relaxed by carefully stretching them. This is why you need to see a TMJ dentist to get proper TMJ physical therapy making certain that you don't further stress your muscles, but relax them slowly.
Other Exercises
There are more exercises which are an integral part of TMJ physical therapy. Some include Jaw Opening Correction Exercises, Cervical Mobilization Exercises, TMJ Mobility Exercises, TMJ Stability Exercises, etc. On the whole, these exercises form a thorough treatment program for people experiencing TMJ disorder. It is advised that you review all of these exercises with a TMJ Dentist for proper form and function.