There are many options that can help treat your jaw pain and headaches, especially if you seek help from a physical therapist. The combination of these symptoms is often caused by a specific category of issue. Collectively, this category is called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
TMJ dysfunction includes just about any issue that affects the function of your jaw joints. It’s also fairly common. Medical research indicates that up to 12% of Americans suffer from TMJ dysfunction at any given time. Physical therapists offer effective treatment options for the jaw pain and headaches that are common TMJ dysfunction symptoms.
Two physical therapy methods that can treat jaw pain and headaches
Before starting your treatment, your physical therapist will seek out the cause of your jaw pain and headaches. This can involve evaluating your jaw joints and neck. You may also be asked questions about your normal daily routine and medical history.
Gathering this information allows your physical therapist to put together a therapy plan that’s unique to you. Two of the therapy methods this plan could include are:
- Soft tissue mobilization — This technique is a type of manual therapy. It involves your physical therapist using their hands to apply pressure to soft tissue. Soft tissue mobilization (STM) can help improve blood flow to the affected area. It can also help decrease pain. One study reports that patients with jaw pain experienced a 50% decrease in their pain scores after six STM sessions.
Data from this study also reveals that STM can help reduce jaw-related headaches. In fact, the results of this study show that patients went from having two headaches per week to no headaches in six sessions.
- Therapeutic exercises — Another technique that can help patients with jaw discomfort and headaches is therapeutic exercises. Some exercises can help stretch overly tight jaw and neck muscles. Others can be used to improve muscle strength and head and neck posture.
Medical researchers from one study report that therapeutic exercises had several benefits for patients with jaw issues. These benefits included:
- Completely eliminating jaw pain in 80% of patients
- Returning normal jaw function to 65% of patients
- Improving jaw range of motion to normal in 85% of patients
Whatcom PT offers effective treatment for jaw pain and headaches
Ready to find a physical therapy team that offers effective jaw pain and headache treatment? Our Whatcom Physical Therapy team can offer just the type of care you’re looking for. Our specialists can evaluate your jaw to determine the source of your symptoms. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at building personalized therapy plans that can decrease jaw discomfort and headache frequency.
Can’t come into one of our clinics for help? That’s OK! Our team offers virtual therapy appointments that allow you to get physical therapy from home. Even better, you can start getting our help without waiting to get a doctor’s referral.
Contact our team today for more information about all of our therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.
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