“TMD can be treated by specially trained physical therapists,” says Esther Frasso, PT, a physical therapist with Princeton Rehabilitation at Princeton Medical Center. “Since there are many contributors to this condition, we always begin by evaluating the individual, including assessment of the individual’s posture, neck, and head; movements of the jaw; and general function of the musculoskeletal system.”
Treatment must be authorized by your physician. Treatment may include posture re-education, heat and manual therapy to help release tension and help with proper jaw movement, individualized therapeutic exercises, posture re-education, and breathing techniques.
In some instances, a lengthier process of joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and stabilization may be required.
Treatment for TMD will:
- Increase range of motion
- Decrease muscle tension
- Decrease pain Improve posture
“Our ultimate goal is to relieve the individual’s pain and restore function,” says Frasso. “TMD can be debilitating, making chewing, swallowing, and talking uncomfortable and challenging, but working through an appropriate physical therapy program can help.”