TMJ Treatment in Massapequa Park, New York
Ever feel like your jaw is popping, clicking, or getting stuck? These are all common feelings associated with TMJ. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is when the hinge connecting the lower and upper jaw does not work properly. This hinge is responsible for moving the jaw forward, backwards, and side to side. Therefore, when it is not working properly, it can cause a huge problem. Although the cause of this problem is often hard to determine, the symptom is easy to diagnose. Let our physical therapy in Massapequa give you the help you need with your TMJ!
There are common symptoms, but even if you are experiencing one or more of them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have TMJ. Before you diagnose yourself, you should seek a medical expert to see if your symptoms are linked to another problem. Some of these common symptoms to consider recognizing are:
- Headaches
- Clicking/Popping sound when you open or close your mouth
- Pain when yawning, opening your mouth or chewing
- Jaw gets stuck or locks
- Jaw muscles become tender
- Change in the way upper and lower teeth fit
Once you are diagnosed with TMJ, you should consult a physical therapist for help. If you live on Long Island, you can schedule an appointment with a physical therapist at Park Physical Therapy in Massapequa. Park Physical Therapy offers constant hands-on treatments to all their patients. Raymond Cecora, PT, and his staff believe all their patients deserve individual care and attention.
Physical therapists will focus on relaxing, stretching, and releasing the tight muscles and scar tissue built up. Some techniques physical therapists will use with you will include jaw exercises to strengthen muscles, exercises to improve mouth flexibility and motion increase, heat therapy to improve blood circulation, and ice therapy to reduce swelling and decrease pain. Physical therapists can also massage your jaw area to relieve overall muscle tension.
Most people don’t consider physical therapy for jaw pain. However, physical therapy is frequently used alongside medicine (anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants). Physical therapy is typically recommended for TMJ sufferers when home treatments don’t work and it can also work post-surgically to reduce the pain and swelling.
The joints in your mouth are used constantly throughout the day when we speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. It is important to take care of these joints just like any other in your body. Pain in these joints can be unpleasant and cause a great deal of pain. It is important to seek a medical expert to find out if physical therapy is the right treatment for you.
Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy at (516) 798-3789 today!
