Physical Therapy for TMJ Jaw Pain in Saratoga & Queensbury
Jaw pain and dysfunction, also known as TMJ disorder because it affects the temporomandibular joint, is a common condition that affects people of all ages. TMJ disorder occurs when the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull, and allows you to chew, swallow and talk, fails to function properly. TMJ jaw pain and dysfunction can be temporary or last for years, but physical therapy can often provide relief.
Capital Area Physical Therapy specializes in physical therapy for TMJ disorder to relieve symptoms, pain, and improve mouth function. Our experienced team of TMJ physical therapists in Malta, Saratoga Springs, Delmar and Queensbury will work with you to determine if the cause of your pain is related to soft tissue or joint dysfunction, or both, and develop a customized treatment plan.
Causes & Symptom of TMJ Disorder
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include pain in the jaw, the inability to fully open your mouth, and crackling or popping noises when moving the jaw. TMJ disorder can also cause earaches, ear ringing, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing.
TMJ disorder can be caused by a jaw fracture or other trauma, such as a lengthy dental procedure, a car accident, or a blow to the face. It also can result from abnormal teeth alignment and osteoarthritis, or from chronic teeth clenching and grinding at night, or tension in the neck and face from stress and poor posture.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve TMJ Jaw Pain & Dysfunction
Physical therapy for TMJ jaw pain and dysfunction focuses on relieving symptoms and pain, improving postural awareness, restoring range of motion in the thoracic and cervical spine, and improving jaw function.
During your first appointment, our physical therapists will take a detailed history of your condition and evaluate your head, neck, jaw and posture, as well as your stress level. We’ll determine whether the problem is joint- or soft-tissue-related, or a combination both, and if we suspect teeth alignment may be causing the problem, we may refer you to a dentist or orthodontist for further evaluation.
Our treatment plans for TMJ disorder include a combination of soft-tissue release, joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities, such as heat and ice, ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation. We also provide education and teach you ways to help manage stress, and, in the event that surgery is needed, our physical therapists offer pre- and post-op rehabilitation.
Schedule a PT Appointment for TMJ in Saratoga, Malta, Delmar or Queensbury
If you are experiencing jaw pain and dysfunction, physical therapy for TMJ can often help reduce pain and restore range-of-motion without the need for narcotics or surgery. To schedule your evaluation and get started on the path to a pain-free life, call Capital Area Physical Therapy at (518) 289-5242. Our physical therapy offices are located in Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Malta and Delmar.