Supporting recovery from temporomandibular joint disorders through individualized, technology-driven physical therapy.
Proven therapies, individualized care
Sheltering Arms Institute offers innovative physical therapies designed to manage and reduce jaw, facial, head, ear, and neck pain associated with TMJ disorders.
Comprehensive, convenient
From preliminary comprehensive evaluation to individualized manual therapy, posture assessments, and post-therapy exercise regimens, the physical therapists at Sheltering Arms Institute design TMJ treatment plans tailored to each individual’s symptoms and needs.
TMJ therapy services are offered at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Hull Street, Chester, and Reynolds outpatient centers.
A variety of therapies and recommendations are available to support the unique needs of each individual include:
TMJ treatment at Sheltering Arms Institute begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the jaw and neck to establish baselines and set goals.
TMJ physical therapists perform gentle range-of-motion exercises, manual therapy with joint mobilization, and soft-tissue mobilization inside and outside the jaw and neck.
Clinicians may recommend complementary therapies, including heat, ice, and dry needling with electrical stimulation.
To reduce jaw stress, particularly at the start of treatment, TMJ physical therapists may recommend a diet consisting of softer, healthy foods.
TMJ physical therapists provide guidance related to posture and body mechanics, appropriate work station ergonomics, sleep hygiene and positioning, proper diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation exercises and stress management, grinding, clenching and nail-biting avoidance strategies, excessive straw use strategies, excessive day and nighttime jaw pressure avoidance strategies, and smoking avoidance strategies (if applicable).
To maintain progress, TMJ physical therapists will recommend individualized home-exercise programs to address neck and jaw range of motion, improve the pattern of jaw opening, and strengthen jaw muscles, the cervical spine, and shoulder blades.
For individuals who clench or grind, particularly while sleeping, TMJ physical therapists may recommend personalized mouth guards to reduce impact and pain, or provide referrals to oral surgeons as needed for a collaborative team approach.
I was recommended by my dentist for physical therapy for my TMJ. The entire team is amazing—they’re so welcoming and unbelievably kind. I could not be more thankful for the experience I had with them.
Identifying potential TMJ disorders
TMJ disorders are sometimes difficult to identify. Prior to physical therapy, individuals should consult with their family physician, physiatrist, ENT, dentist, or oral surgeon to better understand the root of their pain and discomfort, which can present in any of the following ways.
Pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, ear, neck, or head can be quite disabling, negatively affecting daily life activities. At Sheltering Arms Institute, we are committed to providing hands-on, one-on-one manual treatment with exercise programs designed to help each individual through their specific challenges.
What causes TMJ?
TMJ disorders are typically tied to four potential causes
Accounting for 45% of TMJ disorders, masticatory muscle disorder affects the muscles inside of the jaw making them tight and spasm from muscle guarding or overusing from clenching or teeth grinding. Poor posture with a forward head, stress, anxiety, and poor sleeping positions can aggravate these symptoms.
Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by pain that originates from trigger points in the jaw or neck, causing localized pain. It can produce headaches, ringing in the ears, swallowing problems, TMJ joint noises, dizziness, and pain in the face, ears, neck, and jaw.
The second-most common diagnosis among TMJ disorders, anterior or posterior disc displacement occurs when the disc is displaced causing a loud click during mouth opening and closing. This leads to injury, inflammation, and joint pain and may occur after a prolonged dental procedure, laughing, or yawning.
TMJ disorders can occur as a result of joint problems, including arthralgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, capsulitis (inflammation of the joint capsule), hypomobility, and hypermobility.
Understanding TMD/TMJ therapy
TMD is a condition that may cause pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial muscles. TMD is often treated by temporomandibular joint disorder therapy, which is designed to manage and alleviate jaw, facial, and neck pain associated with TMJ disorders. Treatment includes range-of-motion exercises, manual therapy with joint mobilization, and soft-tissue mobilization inside and outside the jaw and neck.
Signs and symptoms of a potential TMJ disorder include:
TMJ physical therapy is typically offered in the outpatient setting. Progress and outcomes also depend upon the patient’s adherence to home exercises recommended by the therapist.
The length of outpatient therapy for TMJ varies from person to person; however, patients can typically expect therapy to last between 4-8 weeks. Your TMJ physical therapist will work with you to develop a customized and effective treatment plan to help you achieve your best recovery.
Start your Journey
Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.
