Are you experiencing pain in your everyday life and looking for “physical therapy clinics near me”? At Twin Boro Physical Therapy in Piscataway, we help residents of South Plainfield, NJ, look, move, and feel their best.
Since 1980, Twin Boro Physical Therapy has been helping New Jersey residents rehabilitate from injuries, manage chronic illnesses, prevent or recover from surgery, and generally improve movement. We believe every patient is able to reach their movement goals, and we are dedicated to being there every step of the way.
Physical Therapy Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a joint disorder characterized by pain and immobility in the joint. After diagnosis, you will be connected with a physical therapist to begin treatment to alleviate symptoms.
What to Expect on the First Visit
During the first visit, your physical therapist will assess your jaw pain and movement abilities. This will include discussing your experience about what activities aggravate the condition, when the pain started, your daily habits, and what restrictions you currently have in daily life.
You will also be evaluated for any factors that may influence or aggravate your condition. This includes looking at your posture, neck range of motion, jaw range of motion, jaw structure, jaw strength, and postural muscle strength.
After completing the initial evaluation, your physical therapist will go over findings and the proposed treatment plan. This is also an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerts, and make sure you and your therapist are on the same page moving forward.
Physical Therapy Treatments for TMD
Multiple treatments may be used to treat TMD and focus on different aspects of the condition such as posture, inflammation, jaw movement, and jaw function. You may be proposed one or multiple treatment methods depending on your individual needs, but common treatment techniques include:
Therapeutic Exercises
Exercises will be prescribed to improve the opening and closing movements of the mouth. These may be performed in front of a mirror to monitor movement of the mouth. The goal of these exercises will be to improve pain-free movement ability and range of jaw motion.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Ice and heat may be used to decrease inflammation, reduce pain, and relax muscles. These may be used either individually or together, depending on the cause of your jaw pain.
Postural Change
Postural change to decrease forward head posture or rounded shoulders may be used to reduce strain on the jaw. Exercises to increase scapular strength may also be recommended.
Massage Therapy
Massage techniques can be used to reduce jaw pain by relaxing muscles and improving circulation to the area. This is done through massage techniques applied by your physical therapist.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound technology can be used to heat tissues deep within the jaw, increasing cellular mobility and promoting healing. This type of therapy is often most effective when combined with therapeutic exercises.
Temporomandibular Joint Mobilizations
Therapeutic mobilizations can be used to help relocate displaced articular discs within the jaw and restore normal joint movement. This is typically done by the physical therapist placing their thumb along your teeth and performing specific pressure movements to mobilize the joint.
Ready to Begin?
Waste no time and begin your movement journey today. For those looking for the best option near South Plainfield, New Jersey, look no further than Twin Boro Physical Therapy in Piscataway. We can be reached by calling 732-572-0021 or visit our website.
