Understanding TMJ Physical Therapy at New Paradigm Physical Therapy

At New Paradigm Physical Therapy, Julie Waldo specializes in providing advanced, highly personalized care for individuals suffering from TMJ dysfunction- and is dedicated to helping you find relief, restore function, and reclaim your quality of life.

What is TMJ/TMD

TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint and when this joint becomes inflamed in any way, it can cause a range of symptoms known as TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder. TMD symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

  • Facial pain
  • Referred to ear pain, fullness or ringing
  • Referred to tooth pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Locking
  • Clicking or popping
  • Dizziness
  • Nerve disorders

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and functions as a sliding hinge, enabling essential movements like chewing and speaking. TMJ disorders can result from various factors, including:

  • Direct injuries to the jaw, face, or head
  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Arthritis in the joint
  • Stress, leading to tightened facial and jaw muscles
  • Misalignment of the jaw or bite
  • Postural imbalances resulting in what is known as forward head posturing
  • Injuries to other parts of the body resulting in all over body compensation and misalignment



How New Paradigm Physical Therapy Treats TMJ/TMD disorders

Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis

A detailed evaluation of your all over body mechanics, muscle tension, posture and health history is conducted to determine the root causes of your TMJ disorder.

Specialized Manual Therapy Techniques

Advanced hands-on methods gently mobilize and release all joints, surrounding muscles, and connecting fascia to improve mobility, release tension, improve postural alignment and alleviate pain.

Targeted Therapeutic Exercises

A customized exercise plan is designed to strengthen and stabilize, enhance range of motion, and correct postural imbalances in the whole body that are contributing to your discomfort.

Integrated Pain Management

Our approach may include, but is not limited to, manual therapy, PRRT techniques, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, visceral mobilization, neural, and vascular mobilization, and dry needling.

Why Choose New Paradigm Physical Therapy for TMJ treatment?

  • Advanced Training: Julie Waldo has specialized training in multiple treatment techniques that address the entire body ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
  • Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
  • Holistic Approach: We address not just the symptoms but the underlying causes to help you achieve long-term relief.

Start your Journey to Relief Today. Do not let TMJ/TMD pain hold you back from living your best life. At New Paradigm Physical Therapy, Julie Waldo is committed to helping you find relief and regain control. Call or email today to schedule your personalized assessment and take the first step toward lasting comfort and function.

 



Letter of Recommendation by Dr. James Guinn, DMD

"My dental practice was dedicated exclusively to pain and dysfunction in the jaw and associated structures of the head and neck for 40 years (I retired several years ago). I saw patients from four states and had referrals from over 600 doctors. I created a web site for patient education, including physical therapy, for these problems--see DrGuinn.com. At this site you will find abundant information regarding the need for physical therapy for these problems-and why it takes a team approach to achieve successful results. On the website, look for topics under the headings of 'Patient Education' and 'Articles by Dr. Guinn' (just click on the headings).

I am posting this to explain that while physical therapy must be an integral part of treating jaw problems, there are huge differences between the average P. T. and those who have dedicated their lives to treating this unique patient population. During my career, I found just 3 physical therapists in Utah who had the training, dedication, and experience to successfully help this patient population. To my knowledge, two of these have retired.

It is for this reason I can strongly recommend the practice of Julie Waldo at New Paradigm Physical Therapy. I have worked with Julie for over 20 years. Her practice is truly unique. Most physical therapists have 4 or 5 patients in their office at the same time, most of them attended to by assistants or aides. If the patient is lucky, they will see the physical therapist for 5 or 10 minutes of their hour-long visit. Julie has only one patient in her office at a time and she has no assistants or aides. She focuses on each patient for the entire visit, using methods that most physical therapists have not been trained in for these unique problems. She therefore requires fewer visits than the average therapist for most conditions and has better lasting results.

Unfortunately, no dental insurance and most medical insurance do not pay for "TMJ" treatment. Therefore, most of her patients need to pay for her treatment out of pocket. But it is the best money you can spend for effective and lasting treatment of these special disorders. In addition, she will be very honest with you-if she does not believe that she can help you after seeing you, she will tell you so up front.

Note: I have never had any financial interest in recommending this or any other physical therapist to patients at any time and never will."

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