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VSPT TREATMENT

TMJ Therapy

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which connects the skull to the lower jaw on either side of the face. This joint helps you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction occurs when the bones in the jaw become misaligned, causing headaches, neck and jaw pain, and, in severe cases, lockjaw. At Vail-Summit Physical Therapy, our TMJ therapy specialists help reduce pain and restore jaw movement.

When Would I Need TMJ Therapy?

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction can affect the nerves, muscles, and bones in the jaw joint. This condition is commonly found in people ages 20-40, more often impacting more women than men. Signs you may need TMJ therapy include:

 

  • Jaw pain or pain in the hinge of the jaw

  • Pain when eating or chewing

  • Tenderness around the hinge of the jaw

  • Aching in or around the ear

  • Grinding, clicking, or popping while moving the jaw

  • Headaches

  • Lockjaw 

 

TMJ disorders are treatable. At VSPT our therapists are dedicated to designing a TMJ therapy plan that provides relief. 

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Benefits of TMJ Therapy

TMJ therapy’s primary goal is to ease jaw pain and restore normal jaw function – such as chewing and talking. Additional benefits include:

 

  • Reduced inflammation

  • Decreased risk of dental damage

  • Improved sleep

  • Rebalanced bite and facial appearance

  • Improved posture

  • Reduced headaches 

 

A huge benefit to working with a physical therapist that specializes in TMJ therapy is that they are trained to treat the underlying cause of the condition – not just the symptoms.

I would highly recommend to go VSPT for your physical therapy needs. Their attention to details is phenomenal. The staff are all very personable and will set you up with the right therapist to fit your needs and type of rehabilitation that you need. Please look into all they have to offer, which is a lot.

Shauna B.

How TMJ Therapy Works

You’ll work with one of VSPT’s TMJ therapists who have training in temporomandibular joint dysfunction. They'll provide a treatment plan magic to relax tight muscles, release tension, and get your jaw back in alignment. TMJ treatment could include: 

 

  • Exercises to strengthen the muscles

  • Relaxation exercises

  • Lifestyle changes like changes in diet or a fitted mouthguard

  • Ice and heat therapy

  • Manual therapy such as joint mobilization and stabilization

  • Medication

 

The therapists at VSPT will design a TMJ treatment plan based on the type and severity of your TMJ disorder.

Therapists That Work With TMJ Therapy

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Getting You Back Out There

Don't let jaw discomfort impact your quality of life. Take that first step toward relief by contacting Vail-Summit Physical Therapy and requesting a consultation with our expert TMJ specialists. Our team will work with you to discover the cause of your pain and design a personalized treatment plan that gets you back to living your life, pain-free! 

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