The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is more commonly known to most people as the jaw joint. This joint is involved in many routine movements like yawning and chewing, and it can rotate to allow the jaws to open and close. However, this joint can also slide to let your jaws move forward and back. Too many repetitive movements or an impact to the jaw can cause pain in the TMJ. Fortunately, there’s TMJ physical therapy available near you in the Harmony, Pennsylvania, area. Here are two therapeutic exercises that could be included in your TMJ treatment plan:
1. Tongue on hard palate
One way physical therapists can help people with TMJ pain is to show them exercises to stretch the jaw muscles. These stretches are intended to reduce tension in the muscles of the jaw, and less tension in these muscles can put less stress on the TMJs. An example of a stretching exercise your TMJ physical therapy may include is the tongue on hard palate stretch.
To begin this stretch, sit in a comfortable chair with your back straight and your head centered over your shoulders. Then, unclench your jaw muscles so that your teeth are slightly parted, and move the tip of your tongue until it touches the hard palate directly behind your upper front teeth. Hold this position for about 10 seconds while breathing slowly in and out through your nose. After the 10 seconds is up, let your tongue drop back to its normal position at the bottom of your mouth. For best results, repeat these steps until you’ve done six to 10 repetitions.
2. TMJ rotation
Another TMJ physical therapy exercise your therapist might add to your treatment plan is the TMJ rotation exercise. This exercise is designed to help stretch the muscles that rotate your jaw, and it can also help increase natural lubrication fluids in the joint and reduce pain.
Start this exercise by placing your tongue on the hard palate. This tongue position is intended to keep the jaw from moving forward or backward. Once your tongue is touching the hard palate, slowly open your mouth as far as you can without moving your tongue. Remain in the mouth-open position for five to six seconds, and then slowly close your mouth. Again, make sure your tongue stays on your hard palate during the movement. When your mouth is closed, allow your tongue to return to its normal position. Repeat these steps six to 10 times to complete one full set of TMJ rotation exercises.
Panther Physical Therapy in Harmony, PA, offers TMJ physical therapy
Our team at Panther Physical Therapy’s Harmony clinic has experience with many therapy types, including TMJ physical therapy. To get you started, we’ll have you come into the clinic for a free screening. Using the information we gather during your screening, our team will then build you a personalized therapy plan, which may include therapy methods like:
- Therapeutic exercises
- Manual therapy
- Trigger point therapy
- Ergonomic recommendations
Take the next step to get our help with your TMJ pain. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.