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Physical Therapy for TMJ in Suffolk

physical therapy for tmjWhile temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJD) are common, many people still avoid seeking treatment.

Many mistakenly assume over-the-counter medicine or invasive surgery are their only options.

Did you know physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ? Studies show patients enjoy better results when a physical therapist is a part of their treatment process.

Dr. Russ Mosher and Dr. Kevin Steele have decades of experience helping patients in Suffolk recover from painful jaw disorders. Here’s how they can help you too.

What is TMD/TMJ and What Causes It?

Your jaw includes plenty of complex bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As a joint, your jaw is constantly in motion as you speak or chew food – it certainly gets a workout!

Unfortunately, this can spell a recipe for disaster. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders arise when something goes wrong. Overworking or stressing your temporomandibular joint can eventually lead to inflammation in the joint itself or surrounding tissue.

Common causes include:

  • Sudden injury
  • Slipped disc in your jaw
  • Stress
  • Clenching your jaw (bruxism)
  • Arthritis

TMD looks different to everyone. Some people experience mild symptoms randomly, while others suffer from chronic pain. Some signs you’re experiencing TMD include:

  • Pain or tenderness in one or both jaw joints
  • Clicking sounds when you chew or open your mouth
  • Feeling your jaw lock open or shut
  • Pain when chewing
  • Soreness around your ear
  • Headaches
  • A sore or stiff neck

Why Should You Choose Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy offers an effective and safe treatment for TMD/TMJ.

Instead of relying on over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to keep pain and tension at bay, physical therapy targets the condition at its source.

Since TMD is a musculoskeletal condition, physical therapy can help relieve tension, soothe sore muscles, and improve the range of motion in your jaw.

If you’re harboring tension in your jaw, chances are you’re also experiencing tension in your neck or shoulders. That’s one reason headaches are so common in patients with TMD.

Your physical therapist at Dr. Russ Mosher, DPT will also address any associated problems in your neck, head, or shoulders.

Comprehensive TMJ Treatment in Hampton

On your first visit to Dr. Russ Mosher, DPT, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, and daily activities. He’ll also order X-rays to gain a comprehensive understanding of your TMD and any associated musculoskeletal damage.

From there, you’ll work together to develop a personalized TMJ/TMD treatment program using non-invasive physical therapy. Your doctor or therapist may use manual therapy to adjust your jaw gently.

He will also provide you with in-office and home stretches to improve the mobility in your jaw and strengthen muscles. The goal is to set you up for long-term remission.

Don’t live another day with TMD pain! Schedule an appointment at Dr. Russ Mosher, DPT now by calling (757) 902-1989.