Welcome to FLEXPLUS PHYSICAL THERAPY

Proudly serving the MetroWest area, including Natick, Framingham , Wellesley, Ashland, Sherborn, Weston, Wayland and Dover - just to name a few!

 

TMJ DISORDERS

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) or the jaw joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. This flexible joint is used more than any other joint in the body. It controls movement of the mouth and allows the jaw to open and close for talking, chewing and swallowing among other functions. When pain and dysfunction of facial structures occur, many of our daily and basic abilities can be affected.

Many people have pain and/or dysfunction in and around the jaw joint at some point during their lives. Since these joint and muscle problems are not completely understood, treatment is often complicated by stress, lack of a definitive diagnosis, chronic trauma and persistent postural changes.

 

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

• Inability to open the mouth wide to eat normally
  Inability to close the mouth completely
  Inability to eat hard or chewy foods
  Clicking or dislocation of one or both jaws
  Head, neck, jaw, ear, tooth and/or shoulder pain
  Locking of the jaw

At FlexPlus Physical Therapy we have developed a comprehensive program to evaluate and treat the direct areas affected by TMJ disorders including the head, neck, face and shoulders.

 

Our therapists work closely with each patient to determine the potential cause and address it appropriately. Depending upon the cause and the dysfunction, treatment may include:

• Postural alignment and positioning techniques
  Therapeutic Exercise
  Strengthening
  Stretching
  Relaxation
  Re-train breathing habits
  Correct negative patterns of movement
  Manual Therapy
  Intra-oral
  Extra-oral
  Head, neck, upper quarter
  Ultrasound and/or Electrical Stimulation

You will have an active role in decreasing your symptoms, improving function and returning to a healthier lifestyle.