If you have TMJ in Flagstaff, AZ, the first solution you’re likely to come across if you search for your condition is a dental practice. There, the staff can examine you to see if an oral appliance, like a mouth guard, could help you correct the issue. However, in some cases, it may make more sense to visit a physical therapist. Here, we’ll look at how to know who can help.

What You Should Know About TMJ

TMJ is the shorthand for your temporomandibular joints. When these joints malfunction, it’s harder for you to move your mouth, whether it’s to open and close it while chewing or moving it from side to side.

If you’re wondering how you fix TMJ, the answer is more complicated than it may seem. Physical therapy can help you straighten out your posture, release stress, and just generally help you improve your mobility. However, if your TMJ is caused by teeth grinding at night, then an oral appliance can help you avoid damage while you’re at rest.

When to See a Physical Therapist in Flagstaff, AZ

It’s worth noting that both physical therapists and dentists will require some degree of commitment from you to fix your TMJ. With a physical therapist, you may need several weeks before you see any improvements. With a dentist, you may need to wear a mouth guard for months or even years to keep your teeth protected.

In general, though, you’re better off seeing a physical therapist in Flagstaff if you want a long-term solution to the problem. For many people, it makes sense to combine the two treatments. For instance, you might wear a night guard for several weeks while getting targeted massages from a physical therapist to bring down stress levels and (hopefully) reduce or eliminate your teeth grinding.

If you have questions about the best course of action for you, contact BASECAMP PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PERFORMACE for more information about our services. Not only can we help you with TMJ dysfunction, we can help you address the underlying causes, whether it’s arthritis or weakened muscles.