Jaw pain can have a negative impact on your quality of life. While it’s still possible to accomplish many basic tasks, such as walking and using your hands, your ability to speak and chew food is severely disrupted. Plus there’s the nagging pain that can run from being a dull throb to sharp and excruciating.
The pain can develop in different locations along the jaw — and for many it can manifest on the left or right side near the ear. Causes can include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, dental issues, swimmer’s ear, arthritis, injury and many other issues. The first thing you should do if you’re experiencing jaw pain is to see a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Physical therapy is a very common treatment recommendation for many jaw pain sufferers as part of a comprehensive treatment program. At our clinic right in Mattawan, Michigan, patients in the area can work with a highly skilled therapist to create a customized treatment plan for jaw pain near the ear on the left or right side. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions as you look over the following easy-to-understand guide.
Working with a physical therapist for jaw pain relief
If you’re going to see a physical therapist for upper jaw pain on the left or right side, you can expect to follow a few basic steps at your initial appointment:
- A review of your medical history and any diagnostic imagery you have
- Questions about your specific symptoms and how they are affecting daily activities
- Discussion of your treatment goals
- A hands-on examination of your jaw and the surrounding area
- Tests for range of motion and jaw mobility
These steps can help your therapist assess your overall jaw health and create a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and improve function. Physical therapy sessions typically consist of a combination of active and passive techniques including exercises, stretches, posture training, manual therapy and lifestyle recommendations.
Jaw pain physical therapy in Mattawan, MI
At Armor Physical Therapy in Mattawan, we pride ourselves on one-on-one, highly personalized care. Jaw pain can be successfully managed, and it is our goal to help you achieve your treatment goals and get you back to the quality of life you deserve. To learn more and schedule your initial appointment at our clinic, contact us today.