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Temporomandibular
dysfunction is a
lack of normal function between the upper and lower jaws. It can be caused by
accidents, surgery,
developmental defects, peculiar oral habits, extensive dental restorations
(fillings), naturally
occurring malocclusion (poor bite), orthodontics, psychological stress,
clenching or grinding of teeth,
or other conditions.
Physical therapy can
help your jaw joints to function freely
and without pain. If you follow the treatment below, you
can relax your chewing muscles, reduce severe
headaches, and prevent related discomfort. This
therapy has approximately an 80% success rate for
patients with TMD. If physical therapy is not
successful, additional treatment is available.
Selecting a time to accomplish
the exercises. For best results, do these exercises once a day,
unless directed otherwise. The
exercises require 15 minutes. Choose a relaxed time of day, such as
immediately before bedtime,
when you will be able to do the exercises without interruption. You may want
to use a timer to
ensure that you are spending enough time with the exercises.
Accomplishing
the exercises: - Heat: Hold a heating pad, hot
washcloth, hot
water bottle, or other heat source on the painful areas of your head and neck. Apply this
heat
for five minutes to relax your muscles for the exercises.
- Exercises: Do the following exercises for one minute each (a total of 5
minutes).
| a) | Open-Close: Place a closed fist under your chin to gently resist
movement. Open and close your mouth 30 times (one second to open one second to close).
| | b) | Forward-Backward:
Place a closed fist on the front of your chin to gently resist movement. Move your lower jaw
forward and backward 30 times (one second to open one second to close).
| | c) | Right: Place a closed fist on the right side of your chin to gently
resist movement. Move your jaw to the right and then return your jaw to a relaxed position 30
times (one second right and one second to chewing position).
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| d) | Left: Place a closed fist on the left side of your chin to gently
resist movement. Move your jaw to the left, and then return your jaw to a relaxed position 30
times (one second left and one second to chewing position).
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| e) | Head Turn: (Stand or sit very straight up):
Right: Turn your head all the way to the right, and place the palm of your
hand on the left side of your jaw. Every two seconds, push your head slightly farther to the right
to stretch the muscles, and then return your head to the original side position.
Left: Turn your head all the way to the left, and place the palm of your hand on
the right side of your jaw. Every two seconds, push your head slightly farther to the left to
stretch the muscles, and then return your head to the original side position (15 times). |
- Heat:
Apply heat for another five minutes as suggested in Step (4a) to relax your muscles.
Additional Treatment - such as plastic bite splint to assist in making you
bite in the correct position, or slight trimming of teeth and fillings to make your teeth and jaws
come together correctly (occlusal equilibration) may be needed to assist in your therapy.
If you have questions please contact us.
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