Our Temporomandibular Dysfunction Program focuses on assessment, direct intervention, and patient education. The goal of our program is to decrease pain, improve posture, and maximize function of patients through efficient and effective delivery of outcomes-based physical therapy services.
Program Features
Evaluation by a skilled physical therapist, including tests and measurements to assess:
- Cervical/Thoracic ROM
- Temporomandibular ROM
- Posture
- Pain
- Palpation for tissue integrity
- Strength
- Intervertebral mobility
- Craniovertebral instability
- Visible signs of tension
- Respiration
- Headaches
Our Focus is Function
We focus on patient education regarding critical elements of healing, anatomy, and biomechanics of the masticatory system and cervical/thoracic spine. Emphasis is placed on importance of proper posture and body mechanics and distinction between stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Modalities as needed for pain
- Progressive stretching activities with postural correction emphasized
- Progressive strengthening activities
- Body mechanic awareness training
- Joint mobilization as indicated
- Intra- and extra-oral massage
- Functional exercise progression
- focusing on home, work, recreational, and sports goals
- Instruction in a home exercise program with focus on posture, flexibility, and strengthening exercises, and self-mobilization techniques
- Relaxation/stress management instruction
- Cardiovascular conditioning
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The Temporomandibular Complex and Its Relationship to Neck Dysfunction and Injuries
The Temporomandibular Complex (TMC) is the medical term for your jaw, the jaw joint, and the surrounding muscles that control chewing and jaw movement. This complex includes the muscles of mastication (chewing) and the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), which includes tendons and ligaments of the jaw.
