Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and Physical Therapy

The two hinge joints that connect the jaw to the skull in front of the ears are known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). When working properly, they allow your jaw to open, close, move to the left and right, and glide forward and back via muscle activation and joint movements. This allows you to perform activities such as opening our mouth, speaking, yawning, sneezing, chewing, and eating. When there is a problem with these joint and/or the surrounding tissues, then the jaw and face become painful and normal movement may be effected. 

Manual Therapy and Its Role in Physical Therapy

Physical therapists often use manual therapy in their treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction. This treatment paradigm incorporates skilled hands-on techniques to evaluate and treat spinal and extremity joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

How Do Physical Therapists Use Manual Therapy In Treatment?

On a patient's initial visit to a physical therapist, his or her medical history is reviewed and a comprehensive physical exam is then completed. Based on the history and clinical exam findings, a treatment plan of care is designed which may incorporate manual therapy techniques to help modulate and reduce pain, increase mobility, decrease inflammation, and facilitate tissue repair. A typical physical therapy goal of treatment is to achieve optimal clinical and functional outcomes via improved pain free mobility and movement. Research shows this is best achieved when other treatment procedures, such as therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular control, and alignment and movement training are combined with manual therapy to help the patient achieve their functional activity goals.