TMJ Dysfunction Treatment

Man with TMJ esperiencing pain.Med1Care Therapy Partner’s specialize in TMJ Dysfunction Treatment. The temporomandibular (TMJ) is a sensitive joint structure located on both sides of the face that connects your jaw to your skull. To locate the TMJ, lightly press your cheek while opening and closing your mouth.

Symptoms of TMJ may affect one or both sides of the face and can include:

  • Aching pain around the ear
  • Clicking or popping noises while chewing
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Facial pain
  • Jaw pain and tenderness that can extend to the ear
  • Joint locking or stiffening
  • Pain in the jaw joint
  • Pain in the muscles that move the jaw
  • Painful chewing
  • Swelling

Causes of TMJ

The causes of TMJ dysfunction are difficult to pinpoint and may be influenced by arthritis, jaw injury or genetics. People who clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) may also develop TMJ, although many never do.

There are many possible causes of TMJ, including:

  • Bone or soft tissue tumors
  • Jaw dislocation or injury
  • Jaw muscle stress, as from gum chewing or tooth grinding
  • Joint disorders like arthritis
  • Nerve misfiring
  • Psychological stress that amplifies chronic pain

The discomfort experienced with TMJ is usually short-lived and can be reversed with self-care or physical therapy. Surgery is a last resort but can also benefit those with whom conservative measures fail.

Read more about TMJ here.

How We Can Help

Med1Care Therapy Partner’s TMJ Dysfunction Treatment can provide relief.

A licensed physical therapist will come to your home in Toledo, Findlay or any of the 26 counties we service. The therapist will evaluate your need for services, draft a plan and set a schedule that is dedicated to helping you reach your objectives and build a road to recovery.

Call us at 419.866.0555 to schedule a consultation.
Our specialists will help you chart a course forward.

It’s rare for TMJ to indicate a serious illness. There are many at home treatment options, including:

  • Eliminating tooth grinding with stress relief or bite guards
  • Eating soft foods that don’t require you to open wide or chew hard for a few weeks
  • Softening the pain with warm compresses to reduce muscle spasms
  • Considering surgery if you have degenerative joint disease

The Goldfish Exercise can help with jawbone alignment:

  • Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth
  • Place one index finger on your TMJ (pick a side) and the other index finger on your chin
  • Drop your chin, applying light pressure
  • Repeat with the opposite side of the face

The Mandibular Stabilization Exercise can help with jawbone alignment and range of motion:

  • Relax the jaw, slightly open
  • Hold your thumb below the front of your chin and apply gentle pressure while you open the mouth
  • Repeat the last step, moving the thumb underneath each side of the jaw