Living with persistent jaw pain can turn everyday activities—like chatting, laughing, or enjoying a meal—into uncomfortable or even painful challenges.
At Florida TMJ Physical Therapy Center in Pembroke Pines, FL, we focus on addressing these issues and treating them rather than just masking the symptoms.
Under the guidance of Dr. Evelyn Mora, we employ advanced methods to alleviate TMJ-related pain, including dry needling for TMJ.
This specialized therapy targets tense muscles that contribute to jaw discomfort, aiming to restore normal function and improve your overall quality of life.
The Basics of Dry Needling
Dry needling involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific “trigger points” within muscles. Although it may resemble acupuncture, it differs by focusing on scientifically identified sites of muscle tension. By stimulating these points, the DryNeedling can:
- Release Muscle Knots: The needle helps break up tight spots, allowing muscles to relax.
- Enhance Circulation: Improved blood flow reduces inflammation and delivers nutrients that aid tissue repair.
- Trigger Endorphin Production: Activating certain nerve pathways can prompt the body to produce natural painkillers.
Through these mechanisms, dry needling offers direct intervention where it’s needed most—at the source of your discomfort.
How Dry Needling Helps TMJ Disorders
When muscles like the masseter or lateral pterygoid become overly tense, they exert extra pressure on the TMJ. Dry needling for TMJ addresses this by loosening the specific muscles contributing to the problem. As these tight areas relax, the joint regains a wider range of motion, which helps minimize pain. Dry needling tackles a core contributor to TMJ discomfort.
Fibroblast Activity and Collagen Repair
Fibroblasts are like the body’s construction crew for muscle and connective tissue. Muscles and the connective tissues around them require healthy collagen for flexibility and resilience. Overuse or injuries can degrade collagen, leading to ongoing soreness.
When needles are inserted, they activate fibroblasts—cells that produce collagen.
Stimulating them leads to stronger collagen fibers, enhancing the jaw’s structural resilience and reducing the likelihood of recurring strain. Reinforcing these tissues bolsters your jaw’s structural support, cutting down on future complications.
Acetylcholine Release
By influencing the release and function of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dry needling helps muscles maintain a healthier balance between contraction and relaxation. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter vital for muscle control. When levels of acetylcholine are balanced, muscles can contract and relax more efficiently. This therapy encourages that balance, helping chronically tight jaw muscles let go of tension and providing a sense of longer-lasting relief.
Rapid Relief for Many Patients
One major advantage is the speed at which some people notice improvements.
While everyone’s experience varies, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel significant relief after just a few sessions. This quick progress can be a morale booster if you’ve struggled with jaw pain for months or years, empowering you to stick with the treatment plan and explore additional supportive therapies.
Integrating Multiple Therapies
At Florida TMJ Physical Therapy Center, dry needling for TMJ is a valuable tool within a broader strategy.
We recognize that multiple factors influence jaw health, so we often integrate the following:
- Physical Therapy Exercises: Tailored stretches and strengthening exercises can reinforce newly relaxed muscles, promoting better joint stability.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing can curb the unconscious clenching often linked to tension in the jaw.
- Postural Adjustments: Slouching or poor head alignment can place extra strain on the TMJ, so simple ergonomic tweaks make a real difference.
- Dental Collaboration: If grinding or a misaligned bite worsens jaw stress, a custom mouthguard or bite adjustment might be recommended in tandem with our therapies.
By targeting every angle of the issue, we aim for a comprehensive solution that delivers long-term relief rather than short-lived fixes.
Safety and Suitability
When performed by trained professionals, dry needling poses minimal risk. Temporary side effects like mild soreness or slight bruising around the needle site can happen, but they generally subside quickly. A thorough evaluation at our Pembroke Pines, FL, clinic will help determine if you’re a suitable candidate. This includes reviewing medical conditions such as pregnancy or the use of blood thinners, ensuring we personalize your care plan safely.
Meet Dr. Evelyn Mora
Our practice thrives under the expertise of Dr. Evelyn Mora, who is dedicated to understanding the intricacies of TMJ disorders. By staying informed about the latest research and techniques, she ensures that every patient benefits from innovative, evidence-based treatments. Whether you’re new to TMJ therapies or seeking a fresh approach after trying other options, Dr. Mora’s insight and compassionate care can make a meaningful difference in your recovery process.
Reach Out to Florida TMJ for Dry Needling in Pembroke Pines
TMJ-related pain doesn’t have to be a constant shadow in your life.
By targeting specific muscles and fostering healthy tissue repair, dry needling provides a direct, evidence-based way to reduce tension and improve jaw function.
When combined with a holistic care approach, this therapy can serve as a critical step on your journey to lasting relief.
Reach out to our Pembroke Pines clinic to learn more, and let us help you rediscover a life where jaw pain doesn’t call the shots.