TMJ Treatment in Massapequa Park, New York

Ever feel like your jaw is popping, clicking, or getting stuck? These are all common feelings associated with TMJ. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is when the hinge connecting the lower and upper jaw does not work properly. This hinge is responsible for moving the jaw forward, backwards, and side to side. Therefore, when it is not working properly, it can cause a huge problem. Although the cause of this problem is often hard to determine, the symptom are easy to diagnose.

There are common symptoms, but even if you are experiencing one or more of them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have TMJ. Before you diagnose yourself, you should seek a medical expert to see if your symptoms are linked to another problem. Some of these common symptoms to consider recognizing are:

• Headaches
• Clicking/Popping sound when you open or close your mouth
• Pain when yawning, opening your mouth, or chewing
• Jaw gets stuck or locks
• Jaw muscles become tender
• Change in the way upper and lower teeth fit

Once you are diagnosed with TMJ, you should consult a physical therapist for help. If you live on Long Island, you can schedule an appointment with a physical therapist at Park Physical Therapy in Massapequa. Park Physical Therapy offers constant hands on treatments to all their patients. Raymond Cecora, PT, and his staff believe all their patients deserve individual care and attention.

Physical therapists will focus on relaxing, stretching, and releasing the tight muscles and scar tissue built up. Some techniques physical therapists will use with you will include jaw exercises to strengthen muscles, exercises to improve mouth flexibility and motion increase, heat therapy to improve blood circulation, and ice therapy to reduce swelling and decrease pain. Physical therapists can also massage your jaw area to relieve overall muscle tension.

Most people don’t consider physical therapy for jaw pain. However, physical therapy is frequently used alongside medicine (anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants). Physical therapy is typically recommended for TMJ sufferers when home treatments don’t work and it can also work post-surgically to reduce the pain and swelling.

The joints in your mouth are used constantly throughout the day, when we speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. It is important to take care of these joints just like any other in your body. Pain in these joints can be unpleasant and cause a great deal of pain. It is important to seek a medical expert to find out if physical therapy is the right treatment for you.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

American Heart Month: How to Be Heart Healthy

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Studies show 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease every year. Fortunately, heart disease can often be prevented. February is National Heart Month and it is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it. It’s all about encouraging families to make small changes in their diet. It’s motivating teachers and administrators to incorporate physical activity into the school day. It’s the idea to motivate doctors and nurses to speak out in their communities.

When a doctor tells you to make changes in your life, especially regarding your diet and exercise, listen. You may question if it will really make a difference. Some may argue that medication is all you need. Unfortunately, medicine isn’t always enough. Your lifestyle matters a lot. There are several tips that, if followed correctly, can help prevent heart disease.

You must control your portion size. How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. You should use a small bowl or plate to help control your portions at first. Larger portions of food should only be associated with low calorie, nutrient rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Also, keep track of the number of servings you intake. Unfortunately, it takes time to master judging a proportional serving size. Try using measuring cups until you’re comfortable trusting your judgement.

From a young age we are taught the importance of eating vegetables and fruits. They are good sources of vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Research shows that fruits and vegetables have a substance in their plants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Incorporating fruits and vegetables is quite easy. You can keep a fruit bowl out as a reminder to have a piece of fruit, not just as a centerpiece for guests to admire. Keeping vegetables washed and cut in the refrigerator is an easy way to access quick snacks.

High sodium intake can result in high blood pressure or an escalated risk of heart disease. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults should have no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. People age 51 or older, African Americans, and people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should have no more than 1,500 mg a day of sodium. You could use spices in place of salt if you’re cooking at home. Unfortunately, it’s not all about how much salt you add while cooking. Eating fresh and home cooked meals can reduce the amount of salt you eat as much of the salt you eat comes from pre-processed foods.

Although it might sound like a lot to watch out for when you’re just trying to enjoy a meal, don’t be too hard on yourself. It is okay to indulge yourself every now and then. Having a candy bar or some potato chips isn’t going to throw your heart-healthy diet off course completely.

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It helps blood circulate while controlling your blood pressure and weight, making your heart stronger. You should include at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. It doesn’t have to be anything marathon-worthy: just walking, aerobics (water aerobics), washing your car, or anything to make your heart beat a little faster. If you have any previously diagnosed health issues, check with your doctor to see what exercises are best for you.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.

How to Prevent Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can occur for many reasons at many different times. Cramps are caused by involuntary and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax, and surprisingly, they do not always happen when working out. Different measures can be put into place to care for and reduce the chances of getting muscle cramps.

 Our arm and leg muscles can be used voluntarily, and when we use them, the muscles alternately contract and relax as we move our limbs. When the muscle involuntarily contracts, it is called a spasm, and if it is sustained, it is considered a cramp. The cramp can be apart of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that act together, and cramps can also occur in involuntary muscles of various organs. In order to prevent a cramp, or to relieve a muscle cramp, stretching is considered to be highly beneficial, and being able to relax the muscle and stopping any activity will be helpful in relieving pain.

Another recommendation for people that experience frequent leg cramps is adding magnesium to your diet, which includes things such as nuts and seeds. Before taking any supplements, however, talk to your doctor to make sure that it will help you!

Professionals like to recommend Epsom salts, which is a form of magnesium, to apply to the outside of your body with a wet cloth and pressed onto a cramped muscle.  aking a hot bath with or without Epsom salt will also help and provide relief to cramped muscles. Staying hydrated will also help in preventing muscle cramps and will help stop the cramp as well. Although it may take a little longer to relieve the pain from the muscle, it will ensure the prevention of another cramp from happening.

Along with staying hydrated and watching your diet, leg cramps can be relieved by staying active. Walking around on a cramped leg will remind your body to contract and then relax. Try to remember these tips for the next time you feel a muscle cramp coming along!

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Park Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.