Physical Therapy for TMJD

TMJD (more commonly known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is a painful condition that affects the jaw area of the patient. The temporomandibular joint itself is the hinge that connects the jaw to the temporal bones located in your skull. Its purpose is to move your jaw up and down, enabling it to do regular activities such as talking and chewing. Since this joint is frequently used throughout any ordinary day, discomfort in the area can become excruciating. If you’re suffering from this condition, and are looking for treatment through physical therapy in Smithtown, Block Chiropractic Sports & Wellness happens to specialize in treating TMJD. We can offer you the following tips and methods of treatment for your TMJD predicament:

Heat/Cold Packs – although a fairly common strategy for treating several conditions, heat and cold packs can also apply to TMJD. Use an ice pack initially on the affected area and then subsequently follow it up with a heat pack. Most physical therapists will suggest doing this activity a few times each day until the injury is healed.

Eat Softer Foods – sounds pretty simple, but many patients don’t realize the damage they can do when trying to eat chewier or crunchier foods with TMJD. These specific foods force us to open our mouths wider, thus creating more irritation. Consider eating foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup while you have the disorder.

Avoid Extreme Jaw Movements – perhaps more difficult for some people, but wide mouth movements such as singing or yelling will certainly create major discomfort for those with TMJD. Be sure to abstain from these activities.

Avoid Resting Your Chin On Your Hand – a common habit that can occur without even thinking, but this can also cause jaw irritation. Practicing good posture, even in the jaw area, can also be very important.

Keep Your Teeth Slightly Apart – this one will be arduous to constantly maintain, but doing so should help reduce the degree of pain in the jaw. A good trick would be to keep your tongue placed in between your teeth to control clenching (bet you’re trying it right now).

For more information regarding TMJD or interest in scheduling an appointment, your local Smithtown physical therapist, Block Chiropractic Sports & Wellness, is here to accommodate your physical ailments.