Physical therapy for TM disorders

A physical therapist can develop a program for you that includes learning and practicing techniques for regaining normal jaw movement.

The focus of physical therapy for temporomandibular (TM) disorders is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles and scar tissue. Physical therapy is an especially important part of recovery from TM joint surgery, as it helps minimize scar tissue formation and muscle tightness.

Recommended Related to Oral Health

Can Teeth Whitening Become an Addiction?

Americans love a white smile. And, increasingly, we're using teeth whitening treatments to get one. Teeth whitening treatments are now the No. 1 requested cosmetic dental procedure, having increased more than 300% since 1996, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. At-home teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as well. An array of over-the-counter tooth bleaching kits can be found in most any drugstore, discount store, or even grocery store. But there's...

Read the Can Teeth Whitening Become an Addiction? article > >

Physical therapy techniques may include:

Jaw exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion.
Heat therapy to improve blood circulation in the jaw.
Ice therapy to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Massage to relieve overall muscle tension.
Training to improve posture and correct jaw alignment.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is the application of a mild electrical current to the skin over the jaw joint. This electrical current is thought to interfere with the body's pain signals. TENS relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, and relieves pain. The effectiveness of TENS varies, but it seems to work for some people.
Movement of the TM joint to release scar tissue that restricts muscle movement and to improve range of motion.
Ultrasound therapy, which uses high-frequency sound waves directed to the TM joint, to reduce pain and swelling and improve circulation.

What To Expect After Treatment

After a physical therapy session, you should rest the jaw, try to control habits that cause jaw pain, and avoid chewing foods that stress the joint.

Why It Is Done

Physical therapy:

Is frequently used in combination with medication treatment, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants.
May be recommended if symptoms are not relieved with home treatment and are related to muscle tension.
Is used after surgery to promote healing and reduce pain and swelling.

How Well It Works

Physical therapy is important to the success of both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for TM disorders.

Risks

Any therapy that involves physical movement of the jaw may worsen joint problems and must be performed by an experienced professional.

What To Think About

Do not begin physical therapy and jaw exercises to improve jaw range of motion until your health professional has determined what type of TM joint problem is present and what jaw structures are affected.

Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
Last Revised	January 13, 2010

Answer:

Never
(0)

Good
(1-3)

Better
(4-6)

Best
(7)

You are currently

Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

Today in Oral Health