But wait, you say you have already tried laser therapy and it did not work? Hold on a second...don't give up yet! Why? Because there are several reasons why it might not have workd for you.
1. Not all lasers are the same.
Most therapy lasers used for TMJ are Low Level Cold Lasers with minimal power and penetration capabilities. What does that mean for you? The laser light probably did not reach deep enough to the damaged tissue in your jaw to help relieve pain and your therapy dosage was too low. Think of laser therapy like prescription medication. Dosage is KEY! For instance, say you needed 100mg of antibiotics to fight of a cold and your doctor only gave you 50mg tablets. Do you think it would work as well? Nope! Well, laser dosage is the same. You must get adequate dosage from your laser to make a difference.
What makes our laser unique? It is the most powerful pain therapy laser in the country and it is not a Cold Laser. It is is a high power Heat Laser with maximum penetration and dosage capablities, so you feel an immediate improvement with just one 5-minute session. Don't worry, it will not cut or burn you in anyway and is safe to use by a trained physician without risk of injury.
2. Wrong application
A proper diagnosis is a must with laser therapy success. Meaning, if you point the laser at the wrong spot it won't matter. Many patients suffer for years with TMJ simply because doctors are too busy chasing pain instead of fixing problems. There are many factors that contribute to TMJ pain and they must all be evaluated, regardless if those place actually hurt. This is called referred pain. There are well over a dozen locations on the human body which can negatively affect TMJ function and response to active care. Each one must be examined by a physician trained in locating them. At Pain Laser Center we look outside the TMJ for these places and almost always find an overlooked problem.
A Little About TMJ
Temperomandibular joint (TMJ) Syndrome can be one of the most difficult and elusive conditions to treat. Patients can continue to suffer with symptoms despite years of traditional medical therapy. In order to effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with TMJ, one must use an integrated treatment approach combining various therapeutic modalities.
One of the primary reasons for a poor outcome in TMJ treatment is a lack in clinically understanding the relationship between articular, muscular, and neurological causes of the condition. If any of these potential causative factors are missing in the treatment approach, poor results can occur. The doctor who diagnoses and treats all factors will notice an increase in positive results and patient satisfaction.
TMJ Anatomy
The temporomandibular joint is the articulation between the condyle of the mandible and the squamous portion of the temporal bone. An internal disk known as the meniscus is a fibrous, saddle shaped structure that separates the condyle and the temporal bone. The meniscus and its attachments divide the joint into superior and inferior spaces. These disks not only act to separate the hard bones but also to absorb and cushion vibrations and impacts transmitted through the joint.
The TMJ is controlled by muscles. The muscles controlling the TMJ are predominantly the masticatory muscles. These would include temporalis, masseter, lateral pterygoid, medial pterygoid, and buccinator. However, other muscles may have an effect on the functioning of the TMJ, such as the neck, shoulder and back muscles. This is the one key areas overlooked by physicians when treating TMJ Syndrome. Primary muscles include the scalene, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, rhomboids and latissimus dorsi. There has even been a case where the soleus muscle in the calf affected the TMJ via kinetic chain dysfunction.
So what do you do now?
That's an easy one! Pick up the phone and call RIGHT NOW so you can start feeling better today. You have nothing to lose but your pain. That sounds pretty good to me. Dr. Perry will do an evaluation and show you exactly what the treatment plan includes. Give us just one visit and you will see what makes our program truly unique. Talk to you soon!!
To schedule an appointment contact
Pain Laser Center, LLC
150 Triangle Plaza
@Edge Fitness Center
Ramsey, NJ 07446
973-800-6570