TMJ Blog
Face your Pain in 2024
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a common issue that many people experience. Here are some frequently asked questions about TMJ pain: 1. What is TMJ pain? · TMJ pain refers to discomfort or pain in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the...
Risk Factors and Medications Related To Sleep Bruxism and Potential TMJ Pain!
Risk Factors and Medications Related To Sleep Bruxism and Potential TMJ Pain! Bruxism is a repetitive jaw‐muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. It can occur during sleep, indicated as sleep...
The missing piece in the treatment of TMD related issues, voice and swallow issues!
The missing piece in the treatment of TMD related issues, voice and swallow issues! We have to learn and know all the structures below the chin! Voice:An estimated 17.9 million U.S. adults ages 18 or older, or 7.6%, report having had a problem with their voice in the...
Art of Prevention: The importance of tackling the nail-biting habit!
Art of Prevention: The importance of tackling the nail-biting habit! Onychophagia is defined as a chronic habit of biting nails, commonly observed in both children and young adults, and it is classified among nail diseases caused by repeated injuries. During my TMJ...
Airway is the stairway to health
Today in my blog, I wanted to provide you all with some visuals of a proposed Chronology of events that can lead to a forward head posture, in particular upper cervical spine extension, or as we often refer to as a craniocervical extension. For this blog, I am...
The TMD Screener
I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the TMD Screener if you are not familiar with it. It came out in 2011 due to the great work of Dr. Yoly M. Gonzalez, DDS, MS, MPH, and Dr. Eric Schiffman, DDS, MS. Using this instrument will allow clinicians to identify...
CLASS IV LASER THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS
The Use of LASERS for TMJ Dysfunction The American Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders has cited physical therapy as an important treatment modality in the management of TMDs. Physical therapy is intended to relieve musculoskeletal pain, reduce inflammation, and...
How a Physical Therapist Can assess the potential for Sleep Disordered Breathing in a Patient
Brief video overview assessment of how a Physical Therapist, Michael Karegeannes PT, MHSc, LAT, MTC, CFC, CCTT, CMTPT, can assess the potential for Sleep Disordered Breathing in a Patient, particularly any patient suffering from Temporomandibular Disorders, Facial...
CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE: A POTENTIAL SOURCE
CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE: POTENTIAL SOURCE OF NECK PAIN, HEADACHE AND OROFACIAL PAIN/TMD PAIN Any patient who presents to a clinician and complains of neck pain, headache, and/or orofacial symptoms may have a vasculogenic cause of symptoms (although this is rare). All...
Physical Therapy And Dentistry: collaboration in success
Physical Therapy and Dentistry On the evening of November 9th, 2021, I had the pleasure of presenting on the topic of Physical Therapy and Dentistry, Perfect Combination to Evaluate and Treat Temporomandibular Disorders, Orofacial Pain, and Craniofacial Pain. Dr....
Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day 2021
Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day 2021 On October 7th, National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day brings support and education to the general public about a painful condition. The trigeminal nerve (CNV) is the largest of cranial nerves. Those with trigeminal...
Collaboration in Treating TMD
Quote by Joshua Graham, image Michael Fry Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) present a challenge for health professionals, due to the great complexity of the condition. This complexity is evident in various aspects, including accurate diagnostic methods,...
Tinnitus and TMD
Do you all remember the FORD PINTO from about 1971? Now you might be asking what does the Ford Pinto have to do with Tinnitus, ringing in the ear, aural symptoms, and TMD or TMJ pain?? Well, nothing…. except to discuss a little quick anatomy today of a ligamentous...
TMJ Degenerative Joint Disease: TM Joints move Pain-Free with Physical Therapy and Dentistry
Here is a case study along with the ways therapists and dentists can work together to restore pain free function in the TMJ.
Mask Wearing… What a Pain in the Face!
Mask wearing can come with some unwanted headache and TMD symptoms. Find out how TMJ provider Mike Karegeannes is approaching wear masks.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day
The 27th of July each year has been declared by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncology Societies as World Head and Neck Cancer Day.
Let’s “See”, How Common are Migraines and The Education and Management of the Menstrual Migraine
Learn more about Menstrual Migraines and the most current information on how patients are educated and treated. Useful for care providers and patients.
COVID-19 ADA Masks and Guidelines
Mike shares his experience treating TMD patients with the guidelines set by the American Dental Association.
Temporomandibular Disorders in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Patients
Mike Karegeannes outlines a brief review of TMD in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Patients, and how hypermobility is a factor in assessing TMD and other disorders.
Whiplash Injury and TMJ Pain
Mike Karegeannes explains the importance of screening for TMJ disorders when treating whiplash injuries and sets proper guidelines for car safety.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day
Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day is on October 7. Find out about new knowledge being discovered about TN and the management of the disease.
Can we or can we not palpate the inferior lateral pterygoid?
Can we or can we not palpate the inferior lateral pterygoid (IFL) muscle as part of our exam for our patients suffering from Orofacial Pain?
Migraine Treatment and Management
Migraines are more common than you think and are treatable by a physical therapist. Don’t suffer when there is treatment available.
Exercise is Medicine
Lack of exercise may not be the only factor in the cause of TMD/TMJ but studies show exercise can help reduce pain in TMD patients.
What can X-rays and palpation tell you about neck function and pain?
TMJ therapists can use x-rays and palpations as tools to find the cause of neck pain, allowing them to properly treat neck pain and restore function.
Medical Marijuana for Neuropathic Facial Pain
Medical marijuana is the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or the chemicals contained within it to alleviate the symptoms of certain conditions or diseases. The plant is comprised of over 100 chemicals or cannabinoids. Each has different effects on the body. The...
Red Flags
Symptoms of TMJ/TMD can be red flags for other medical conditions. Learn more about red flags for other medical disease.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Physical Therapy Treatment Approach
Fothergill’s Disease (FD) also known as Trigeminal Neuralgia is characterized by paroxysmal attacks of severe, sharp, stabbing, electric shock-like pain affecting one side of face mainly second and third divisions of it. It can be triggered by chewing, speaking, and cold winds.
Facial Swelling As It Relates To TMJ Issues
What causes facial swelling? Practitioners who treat TMD/TMJ should be on the lookout for facial swelling and have an idea of what could be the cause. Mike Karegeannes lays out some common causes of facial swelling.
Can Migraines cause TMD? Migraine Awareness Month
TMD and TMJ expert Mike Karegeannes discusses research showing adequate treatment of migraines can reduce the occurrence of TMD. Should you make an appointment with a physical therapist to treat your headaches? Find out!
Headaches, TMJ Pain, Neck Pain, Computers, and Ergonomics
Ergonomics and desk setup are closely tied to postural health. Learn to create an ergonomically correct desk to prevent headaches, neck pain, and TMJ pain.
A short screening tool for TMD/TMJ
TMD specialist Mike Karegeannes explains how to use this simple screening tool to help care providers distinguish TMD from other conditions of jaw, head, and neck.
Chronic Pain: From Hurt to Help, a Look at Pain
Discover the difference between acute vs chronic pain and find health practitioners who understand the physical and emotional nature of pain. There is HELP, There is HOPE!
Acupuncture or Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain related to Facial Pain or Temporomandibular Pain
Mike Karegeannes shares his thoughts on Acupuncture treatment for TMD. He also weighs in on the importance of health care collaboration and provides tools to help treat TMD.
Hints For Self-Treating TMJ Symptoms
Struggling with TMJ? Having jaw, head, or neck pain? Here are helpful hints for self-treating symptoms of TMJ from specialist Pete Balik, PT.
As You Sleep, So Shall You Reap
Learn the role a physical therapist can play in getting a good nights sleep. Mike Karegeannes gives insight for both patients and practitioners.
Headaches – Have You Tried This?
Can’t get rid of your headaches? Physical Therapist Todd Pratte shares actions you can take to reduce the prevalence and severity of headaches.
HIT-6 Headache Impact Test
The Headache Impact Test is a tool to measure the impact headaches have on your ability to function on the job, at school, at home, and in social situations. Your score shows the effect that headaches have on daily life and your ability to function.
Headache and Jaw Pain – A connection to TMJ/TMD?
Headaches are common among the general population and positively associated with several musculoskeletal disorders including temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The objective of this study was to explore the presence of possible confounders of the association between TMD and headaches.
Exercise Prescription for Patients With Neck Pain and Headaches
Recently I had the pleasure of Lecturing at the 2017 American Academy of Orofacial Pain 41st scientific meeting in Scottsdale Arizona. My topic was on Therapeutic Exercises for Patients with Headaches and Chronic Cervical Pain.
Words from our TMJ Expert: How do we treat Idiopathic Condylar Resorption?
Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is a well-documented but poorly understood progressive disease that affects the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). ICR may result in malocclusion, facial disfigurement, TMJ dysfunction, and pain. The condition most often occurs in teenage girls, but can occur at any age, although rarely over the age of 40 years.
Technical Notes from Mike: The Detrimental Effects of Forward Head Posture on Neck Pain, Headaches, and Temporomandibular Dysfunction
In addition to helping our patients recover, we should empower them with information so they may best understand their musculoskeletal dysfunctions and contribute to their wellness.
What is Trismus (Lock Jaw)? And how best is it treated?
What is LockJaw? Trismus (or lock jaw) is a condition in which someone has severely restricted mouth opening. It is a problem commonly encountered by dental practitioners, and responds well in the hands of a trained physical therapist. Trismus has a number of...
Trigger Point Dry Needling in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
I’ve received many inquiries about the benefits of dry needling for clients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). To start with, let’s take a moment to briefly review dry needling. Dry needling is a revolutionary pain relieving procedure performed by our...
Ring in the NEW EAR!
Tinnitus is commonly defined in my profession as the perception of a sound in the absence of an external sound source. In essence, it’s hearing something that isn’t actually there, and is often described by patients as ringing in their ears. Because tinnitus may arise...
Self management for TMJ pain or facial pain
Four concepts to encourage healing of musculoskeletal pain include: Reduce Strain Relaxation Posture Stretching Apply moist heat or cold, and massage tender muscle and joints Heat or ice applications used up to four times per day while resting may relax muscles...
To Click or Not to Click, that is the question!
One of the most common complaints I hear from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) patients is that their jaw will “pop” or “click”. In many cases, the popping or clicking is harmless, painless and does not impair function. Patients ask, if it is more of an annoyance than...
TMJ Hypermobility: How to assess
So what exactly is TMJ hypermobility? Well hypermobility is characterized by early and/or excessive forward gliding (translating) of one or both TMJs. This excessive forward gliding results in laxity of the surrounding capsule and ligaments and the temporalis tendon....
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), Fothergill’s Disease or “Tic douloureux” is characterized by sudden attacks of severe, sharp, stabbing, electric shock like pain affecting one side of face mainly along the second and third divisions of the Trigeminal Nerve. TN is sometimes...
Dry Needling for Physical Therapy
What is dry needling? Dry needling is an invasive procedure in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point. A myofascial trigger point consists of multiple contraction knots, which are related to...