• 5500 Merrick Road, Massapequa, New York 11758
  • 111 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, New York 11758
conflicted woman

Treatments for TMJ in Massapequa

Have you noticed any pain, discomfort, or even dysfunction around your jaw joint? Perhaps you are a suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, better known as TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint is essentially a sliding hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. It allows your jaw to open and close, allowing you to speak and eat. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, as many as 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders. TMJ disorder is more common among women than men.

Individuals experiencing TMJ disorder suffer from the following symptoms:

  • Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck
  • Jaw muscle stiffness
  • Limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
  • Change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

 

Causes of TMJ disorders are often times unknown. There is a mix of other health conditions and the development of the TMJ that can cause this disorder. Some of the causes are listed below:

  • Arthritis
  • Erosion of the joint
  • Grinding/clenching of the teeth
  • Braces
  • Poor Posture can strain the neck and face

 

Park Physical Therapy, located in Massapequa, NY, takes pride in working with patients to manage their pain. Our therapists have doctorate degrees, advanced certifications, and most importantly experience.  They create a comprehensive rehabilitation program specific to each patient’s symptoms and needs ensuring that each stretch or exercise is beneficial to their recovery.

A few techniques a physical therapist uses to treat TMJ disorders may be:

  • Jaw exercises to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and range of motion
  • Heat therapy to improve blood circulation
  • Massage to relieve pain
  • Training to improve posture and jaw alignment
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is a mild electrical current to the skin over the jaw. The current interferes with the body’s pain signals. TENS also relaxes the muscles, improves blood circulation and relieves pain.

 

If you are in the Massapequa area and are ready to manage your TMJ disorder, contact Park Physical Therapy today!