What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMD (or TMJ), occurs when there is pain or associated dysfunctions with the jaw, jaw joint or surrounding muscles that control the jaw. At Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health we offer outpatient physical therapy services to assist patients with successful management of TMD and related issues.

What are the Symptoms of TMD?

  • Jaw pain and/or tightness
  • Difficultly/pain with chewing
  • Difficulty/pain with yawning
  • Difficulty “relaxing” your jaw
  • Clicking/popping with movements of your jaw
  • Changes to your diet as a result of jaw pain 
  • Headaches or earaches

When conservatively treating jaw pain a skilled physical therapist can successfully:

  • Restore normal jaw range of motion
  • Improve muscular control of the jaw
  • Reduce/eliminate pain
  • Promote muscle relaxation in and around the jaw
  • Improve quality of sleep
  • Provide strategies for self-management

Research has shown that a majority of patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disease have few to no symptoms after conservative physical therapy treatment.

Physical Therapy Appointments

Evaluation and treatment of TMD can be completed through both in-person and telemedicine video visit appointments.

If you are currently suffering with jaw pain or you know someone who is, please contact the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physical Therapy scheduling team and allow one of our skilled physical therapists assist you on your road to recovery!

Schedule an appointment at 717-544-3270

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