TMJ – Temporomandibular Joint
Temporomandibular Joint
Temporomandibular joint aka TMJ is pain in and around the ear where the mandible attaches to the skull. The temporomandibular (TMJ) joint allows you to open and close your mouth for chewing, talking and yawning. Dysfunction of this joint causes jaw pain, headaches, swelling, numbness, radiating pain, stiffness, jaw locking, clicking and popping.
Occasionally acute TMJ pain will improve without treatment using home remedies such as soft food, heat, ice and NSAID’s. However, TMJ can develop into chronic pain and need physical therapy help to resolve pain and restore joint function. Our out-patient clinic uses manual techniques to relax the surrounding joint muscles, integrative dry needling, ultrasound, joint tapping, electrical stimulation, heat and ice to resolve pain and restore function.References
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. (2017, January 2).
Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/less-is-best-tmj.pdf
Breathe Easy
Chest Physical Therapy
Chest physical therapy (Chest PT) is a manual physical therapy technique used for airway passage clearance. It consist of percussion, vibration, deep breathing and coughing. The technique is used to create a productive cough to clear mucus and fluid from the five lobes of the lungs. Chest PT can be used for various diagnosis such as flu, cold, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD), neurological disorders, or bed bound persons.
The two main techniques are percussion and vibration. Percussion is done by slightly cupping the hand and clapping against the chest wall. Having the hand cupped provides comfort and less of a slapping sensation. Vibration is performed by gently shaking the chest wall with a flattened hand to loosen the mucus from the lungs. Person is placed in various positions to allow postural drainage to assist with the production of mucus. Each technique is then followed by attempting a productive cough to expel the mucus.
Our clinic provides manual chest therapy for all ages and we highly recommend this treatment for cold and flu season to prevent pneumonia and other complications from congestion.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Chest Physical Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.cff.org/Life-With-CF/Treatments-and-Therapies/Airway-Clearance/Chest-Physical-Therapy/
Non-Healing Wound
Non-healing wound is a delay in the natural healing process from either an outside or inside source. Inside sources could be and infection, bleeding, drainage, clots, fatty necrosis, unexpected debris, tracks, and underlying health issues such as diabetes and poor circulation. Outside sources could be pressure, friction, moisture, trauma, burn, radiation and insects (roaches or maggots). All of these sources make each patient and circumstance unique and different and should be treated with individual care.
As a wound practitioner my responsibility is to find the delay or non- healing source quickly for every patient. Early detection will reduce pain, suffering and return patients to their lifestyle.
Our wound care clinic is unique because our staff is physical therapist and assistances that specialize in wound care and debridement. We have successful wound healing because of our outstanding experience, skill and consistent staff. Our small staff of professionals allows us to have better consistency and patient compliance. Most wound care facilities operate with large changing staff that causes inconsistent care and delayed healing.
Sherri Boos, DPT, PT
Yukon Wound Care & Rehab
Adhesive capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis or commonly known as “frozen shoulder” is the tightness, lack of use and the pain associated within the shoulder joint. Frozen shoulder can be caused by an injury or arthritis that then results in lack of use and loss of function. Injuries such as stroke, fractures, falls, or prolonged immobility after a shoulder surgery are examples of common causes. People over 40, particularly women, are more susceptible to adhesive capsulitis.
Physical therapy is the most common prescribed tool for improving adhesive capsulitis. Joint mobilizations, aggressive stretching, and range of motion exercise are techniques used during each session. Physicians may prescribe steroids or an injection into the joint for relief. In some cases, an orthopedic consult may be needed. An orthopedic surgeon would surgically clean the inside of the joint to remove arthritis, scar tissues, or tears and free the capsular space.
Preventive exercise can be beneficial. Contacting an experienced physical therapist is key. Physical therapy will guide the person through appropriate care. If suspicion of a frozen shoulder is occurring, range of motion exercise and joint mobilizations will be used.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, July 20 2018). Frozen Shoulder. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20372684
Physical Fitness and the New Year
“Physical Fitness – a dynamic physical state compromising cardiovascular/pulmonary endurance, muscle strength, power, endurance, and flexibility; relaxation; and body composition that allows optimal and efficient performance of daily and leisure activities.” Physical inactivity is the leading contributor to increased mortality and morbidity, physical therapists are exercise experts across the lifespan and physical therapists promote physical activity and exercise.
With the New Year, we rush to the gym determined to burn off those holiday calories and work toward our New Year’s resolutions. But unfortunately, studies show that more than half of those who join a gym will drop out in 3-6 months. If we can stay consistent, that creates a habit and a habit creates a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn, the more calories you burn, the more weight you lose. Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, arthritis and falls. Physical activity stimulates numerous brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more at ease. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise frequently, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable. It gives you a chance to wind down, enjoy the outdoors or merely engage in activities that make you happy. I love to lift weights, for Sherri its running. So whether it’s a 5k, yoga, or a spin class; get out there, and get active!
References
cache://(itunes.apple.com/us.podcast/move-forward-radio/id127519960’mt=2) – Google Search. (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://itunes.apple.com/us.podcast/move-forward-radio/id127519960?mt=2)
Ries, E. (2009, June). Login. Retrieved from http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2009/6/Feature/WellBeyondFunction?
7 great reasons why exercise matters. (2016, October 13). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389?pg=2
Trauma Wounds
Trauma wound definition is an injury to the body resulting in open skin and / or other tissue. Trauma wound or injury is a universal phrase referring to damage produced by an accident, such as motor vehicle accident, fall, animal bite etc. (MedlinePlus, 2018). In America lots of people injure themselves yearly and those injuries vary from minor to deadly injuries. Trauma wounds happen at work, home, school, indoor, outdoor and basically anywhere at any time performing the most basic activities.
These injuries can be minor or very serious requiring specialized care to manage and heal them. If wounds are not properly cleaned and/or cared for they can become life-threatening. Our out-patient clinic can treat and manage all types and stages of trauma wounds and injuries. Most trauma wounds or injuries should not be sutured or closed due to high rate of infection. These wounds should be cleaned and left opened and referred to wound care for follow up care. In some situations wound vacs are used to assist with closure and healing. Other common types of trauma or injury:
- Animal bites
- Bull or buffalo gored
- Deep or hard bruising
- Burns
- Open dislocations
- Electrical injuries
References
Wounds and Injuries – treatment: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2018, August 14). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/woundsandinjuries.htm
For more information about trauma wound care, contact Yukon Wound Care & Rehabilitation at 405-265-2255.