Uncategorized Archives - KTS Physical Therapy in Severna Park

3 Easy Exercises for TMJ Dysfunction

August 1, 2016 By Jennifer Angeles

There are many exercises that are taught in physical therapy for TMJ dysfunction. I’d like to share these three EASY exercises for TMJ dysfunction that has worked the best for my patients.

Most patients complain of pain to the jaw. It can radiate down the chin, up to the temple area and eyes and neck. These exercises will help loosen up the tight muscles at the jaw and strengthen at the same time.

Exercise # 1

Chin Tucks

There is a proper way to perform chin tucks. Begin by tucking your chin in to bottom of your neck as if you’re making a double chin. Do not tilt your head down but instead move your head slightly backward until the back of your neck flattens out. You should keep your head in a straight line with the spine while tucking your chin in directly into your neck. You hold this position for 5 counts, and repeat 5 times. As you get better, you may perform this 2-3 sets.

For patient’s with TMJ dysfunction, this simple exercise is not always easy to perform. However, many patients have said that once they do it right, it does relieve the pressure off the affected jaw.

Exercise # 2

Chin Tucks with Overpressure

This is a progression of Chin Tucks. You simply perform the chin tucks as instructed above, and you place your thumb and index and middle finger on your face specifically under your cheek bones but closer to the nose and apply overpressure at the end of your chin tuck. Hold this position for 5 counts, and repeat 5 times. You may perform 2-3 sets as you get better.

This exercise helps relieve neck pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.

Exercise # 3

Chin tucks with Isometrics

Sitting up straight, you perform Chin tucks. You make a fist and place it under your chin and try opening your mouth using the lower jaw, applying pressure on your fist. Isometrics are contractions of muscles without movement. Hold for 5 counts, repeat 5 times, and again may repeat 2-3 times.

This exercise helps relieve tension on the muscle at the affected jaw.

If you are experiencing TMJ dysfunction, we have highly trained therapists at KTS Physical Therapy that can help you relieve the pain with longer lasting effects. Call us at (443) 906-6070 and make an appointment today!

By Jennifer Angeles (Updated: 06/14/2020)

Arthritis: Why It’s Still Important to Exercise

June 17, 2016 By Jennifer Angeles

Exercise is powerful. It can do many changes in our body, even deep within. Exercise can alter the negative effects of arthritis. It also helps to protect us from the secondary diseases and symptoms.

Exercises have many good effects on our bodies, especially to help combat and prevent us from getting disease. Research has shown that exercise can reverse damage from disease such as diabetes and heart disease which is common among patients with arthritis.

Arthritis: Why it’s important to exercise

Do you really know how exercise can be beneficial, regardless of what type of arthritis or disease you have? Here are explanations of the benefits of exercises from the smallest unit and to the whole system.

The cellular level

Exercise makes changes at the cellular level. Our bodies have the capability of cleaning out our system through cellular cleaning. It recycles and removes waste known as free radicals. Poor health and aging increases these cellular garbage which causes tissue damage. This leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis. Exercises will take out this trash at the cellular level, stimulating the cells and muscles to take care of this, and protect the body from damage.

Reduces inflammation

Long term exercise causes the body to reduce the production of inflammation-causing proteins in the blood. It helps reduce the tenderness and swelling around joints. It doesn’t matter what type of arthritis you have, exercise will help reduce the inflammation and pain.

Sharpens your mind and gives you strength

Exercise has shown to improve blood flow to the brain and promotes production of new brain cells. This will help protect you from neurological disorders of the brain such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Improves balance

As you exercise, your muscles get stronger, and the balance also improves. The risk of falls are less, which is common arthritis patients. Leg strengthening, and abdominal exercises always improves balance. Tai Chi has been proven to improve balance with the slow controlled movements.

Joint protection

Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the joints affected by arthritis, and stretching helps improve flexibility. This helps the joint to stabilize and get stronger.

If you have arthritis, you are susceptible to having other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease. Exercise is going to help you become stronger, delay or even reverse the disease process.

If you are experiencing pain and swelling from arthritis, KTS Physical Therapy can help you. Call us at (443) 906-6070 and ask how you can get started on a program in physical therapy to help you with your pain and swelling from arthritis.

By Jennifer Angeles (Updated: 06/14/2020)

What Exactly is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a medical science that specializes in helping a body relieve from pain, heal from injury, perform better in work/play/leisure. Pain relief is achieved with all natural means that involves no side-effects or drugs. Procedures such as the following:Pressure-Point Release In this procedure the therapist or clinical assistant searches for muscles that are actively in spasm or causing pain. They then push on the muscle for 1-2 minutes. Initially it will cause soreness but … More