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Temporomandibular Pain and Dysfunction

Jaw pain, known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, can respond very well to physical therapy. I have been treating TMJ pain since the early 1990’s. I blend techniques from myofascial release, Roccobado, Saunders, and craniosacral therapy. I have a good understanding of how the neck and posture influence the TMJ.

 

Importantly, I also utilize orofacial myofunctional therapy and breathing re-education as needed to treat the TMJ. Addressing these issues are often critical for best outcomes when treating the TMJ.

Evaluation and treatments will consist of:

 

1. Assessment of jaw motion and how the joints are working and stretches advised as needed for tight muscles/fascia

2. Assessment of posture and explanation of how posture relates to your jaw

3. Assessment of how well your joints are moving (we call it joint play) and mobilization to joints that are not moving well

4. Assessment and treatment of myofascial restrictions, structural malalignments of the jaw and other regions of the body and education about self treatment techniques

5. Assessment and treatment of orofacial dysfunctions to include tongue posture, lip seal, nasal breathing, and oral phase of swallowing.

5. Assessment of autonomic nervous system balance via hand temperature biofeedback followed by inteventions such as breathing techniques, Jacobson relaxation exercises, and hand warming visualizations to normalize balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

6. Referral to dentists or TMD specialists for consult for recalcitrant symptoms.

7. Recommendations for maintenance self care program and self-treatment tools to facilitate gains made in clinic.

 

Continuing Education

 

  • Acadamy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Course One 2016 

  • First International American Acadamy of Myofunctional Sciences Conference

  • Acadamy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Sleep Disordered Breathing and Temporomandibular Dysfunction 2015

  • Acadamy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Course One 2015

  • John Barnes Myofascial Release with over 360 hours of coursework addressing the whole body

  • Founding member of the American Academy of Myofunctional Sciences

  • Member of American Physical Therapy Association

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