TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. We are targeting the disorder of the jaw joint and related
structures where the ball (condyle), socket (fossa), and cushioning disk (meniscus) of the joint are damaged or misaligned.
Over time, the meniscus becomes increasingly compressed and torn, allowing the bony structures of the ball and socket to deteriorate
at an accelerating rate due to the grinding wear on the joint and the loss of cushioning effect of the meniscus. This grinding
(crepitus) and concurrent pressure on the capsular ligament surrounding the joint can cause head pain, and may create difficulty
in opening or closing of the mouth. The body attempts to realign the joint using the musculature in the face, jaw and neck.
As these muscles become fatigued, additional muscles in the shoulders and back attempt to help this condition, then become
stressed themselves. This can cause symptoms of generalized muscle pain and weakness that are diagnosed as Myofascial Pain
Dysfunction Syndrome (Fibromyalgia) and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Our job is to take an assessment of
your whole posture, help you release the specific muscles that are contributing, whether they are in the jaw, the neck or
the hips. Then to educate you how to change your biomechanical habits that are contributing to the dysfunction, stress, pain
or damage to surrounding structures like teeth or digestive functions. About a half hour of your session will be watching
a video all about a Neuromuscular Therapist's perspective of TMJ and how we can help you in ways that your dentist may
or may not be aware of.
What about other head and facial pain patterns?
By treating
the body as a functional unit we are able to treat symptoms that have eluded other well qualified health professionals. So
while this therapy is called "TMJ Therapy" we actually look into all factors and find restrictions in tissues that
might be "pinching off" specific nerves that may lead to different pain patterns & symptoms. We can help relieve
Migraine Headaches, Tension Headaches, Unexplained Toothaches, We can help ease Sinus Headaches, whiplash and more. If
nerves are compressed by muscles & soft tissue, this will cause many common and uncommon conditions of pain patterns
in the head, neck & beyond! We use very specific soft tissue manipulation to take pressure off of nerves and blood vessels.
If you are not sure if we can help in your particular situation, CALL US and ask us!
Click the "Call Me Button" above and leave your question
on the "TMJ Therapy" Hotline. We will answer your question as soon as possible. Thank you.
