TMJ/TMD in Bridgeport

Find Lasting Relief from TMJ and TMD in Bridgeport

If you’re suffering from chronic jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing or speaking clearly, you may be struggling with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD). This complex condition affects over 10 million Americans, yet it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. At Foundation Therapy in Bridgeport, our physical therapists specialize in customized TMJ and TMD treatment plans to provide lasting relief. Unlike short-term fixes you’ll find elsewhere, our comprehensive therapies target the root causes of your symptoms so you can regain proper jaw function and live pain-free.

Is TMJ or TMD Causing You Pain?

Many people mistake TMJ or TMD pain for other problems like migraines, toothaches, or general soreness. But if you suffer from symptoms like:

• Chronic jaw, face, neck, or headache pain that comes and goes
• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you open or close your mouth
• Locking of the jaw that makes it hard to open your mouth fully
• Ear pain or stuffiness without infection
• Dizziness or ringing in the ears
• Teeth grinding or clenching

Then TMJ or TMD may be to blame. Schedule a thorough evaluation to analyze your symptoms and pinpoint exactly what’s causing your discomfort.

Customized TMJ & TMD Treatments in Bridgeport

No two patients experience TMJ/TMD the same way. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Your care team will collaborate to provide a personalized treatment plan that addresses YOUR unique pain triggers and suits YOUR lifestyle. After a comprehensive exam, we’ll design a customized program using the most effective approach for your needs.

The Benefits of TMJ/TMD Treatment in Bridgeport

Over Foundation Therapy’s years helping Bridgeport residents find relief from debilitating TMJ and TMD pain, we’ve seen how transforming targeted physical therapy can be. Patients who complete our program enjoy benefits like:

1. Lasting Pain Relief
Our specialized treatments don’t just mask your discomfort for a few hours or days. They target the root causes to deliver lasting pain relief so you can live comfortably and confidently again.

2. Improved Jaw Mobility and Function
Regain your ability to open your mouth freely, chew your favorite foods, speak clearly for long periods, and kiss or laugh without pain or awkwardness. Improved flexibility and strength enhances your oral health significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?
These 2 terms are very similar and often used interchangeably. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) refers specifically to the hinge-like joint that connects your jaw bone to your skull. TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) is a more broad medical term describing all conditions affecting not just the TMJ joint itself but the surrounding muscles and nerves. At its core, TMD involves pain or dysfunction of the chewing muscles and TMJ area.

Does TMJ/TMD ever go away permanently?
For many sufferers, the problem comes and goes in flare-ups throughout their lifetime. But with early effective treatment, it is possible in some mild cases to resolve symptoms entirely. Our goal is to help you successfully manage pain and regain proper jaw function, whether we eliminate your condition completely or equip you to control flare-ups yourself.

Is TMJ/TMD a serious medical concern?
Absolutely. Because we use our jaw muscles constantly to eat, speak, swallow, smile, etc, TMJ/TMD pain prevents people from performing some of life’s most essential activities. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic headaches, arthritis, poor nutrition, social isolation, and major damage to your teeth, facial muscles, and jaw joint. The customized care you’ll receive at Foundation Therapy helps avoid these serious complications.

What happens at my first TMJ/TMD therapy session?
Your initial appointment will be with our TMD specialist Dr. Stephen Hanson, who holds advanced certifications in jaw injury rehabilitation. We’ll evaluate your medical history, lifestyle factors, symptom triggers, and perform assessments to determine jaw strength, mobility restrictions, and alignment. Then we’ll introduce you to therapy options best suited to your situation. Many patients experience significant relief immediately after this first session.