Yonemoto Physical Therapy

Jaw problems occur from traumas, particularly blows to the chin or jaw, and/or bad habits such as clenching or grinding teeth, as well as excessive use of the jaw when biting nails, continuously chewing gum, or eating hard foods.  The jaw joint and chewing muscles exert a very large amount of force per square inch for their size.  The amount of work these small, frequently used joints and muscles perform presents a relatively high risk for injury or discomfort.  Symptoms associated with disorders of the jaw include pain on the side of the face, ear or head, limited opening, pain with chewing, clicking in the jaw joint, ringing in the ears, and tenderness to touch.

To decrease symptoms, rest the joint and avoid chewing hard foods or gum.  Moist cold or a combination of moist heat and cold sometimes helps decrease fluid build-up in the joint caused by inflammation.  Some relief may be gained using a cold compress on the joint for 8-10 minutes, or 3-5 minutes of a hot compress followed by 3-5 minutes of a cold compress repeated for 3 cycles.

If symptoms persist, see your dentist who may do other treatment to calm the inflammation.  Sometimes a custom-made plastic mouthpiece will help the joint rest.   Physical therapists use techniques and procedures to reduce swelling caused by inflammation and provide education and exercises to reduce the causes of joint strain.

The statistics vary slightly, but the majority of people who get TMJ symptoms improve on their own.  Only a small percentage requires professional care.  The incidence is higher among women and occurs at various times of life, particularly in the 20-60 year age range.

A healthy jaw joint should be noise free with opening and closing.  You should be able to place 2-3 finger widths between your teeth when you open and breathe through the nose rather than the mouth.   When not using your jaw, keep teeth slightly apart and the tongue at the roof of the mouth, like when you say the letter “n.”   There should be no tenderness or pain in the jaw joint with movement or chewing.

To treat jaw problems, the first step consists of conservative, non-invasive treatment such as rest, diet restrictions, moist cold/heat, and anti-inflammatory medication.  Next comes splint therapy, physical therapy and sometimes biofeedback training.  Other treatments include orthodontics or surgery.  See your dentist for specific recommendations.  As with many other conditions, disorders of the jaw indicate an imbalance - too much stress, staying in one position for too long, not allowing the body to relax and rest.  Changes in lifestyle often relieve the symptoms.  Your body is forcing you to become more balanced.  Take the hint.

If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE:  626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

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