This collaboration between dental and physical therapy experts is unique and will provide patients with both treatment excellence and continuity.
Comprehensive TMJ Management
Elite Personal Training has partnered with Bellary Dental Studio to provide unique and comprehensive TMJ management services.
Because there is often significant overlap between musculoskeletal and dental health impairments, we offer dual evaluation and treatment with Dr. Vibha Bellary [dentistry] and Dr Slav Mukha [physical therapy].
We are able to uniquely help by providing a combination of dental evaluation with appropriate follow-up and physical therapy modalities, postural improvement, manual techniques and exercises. The hybrid dental/physical therapy treatment can help significantly reduce pain and improve mouth opening and alignment.
What is the benefit of a Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) collaboration?
A range of problems can cause TMD, such as trauma from dental work, a car accident, or a blow to the face. TMD may also result from chronic teeth clenching and grinding at night, or tension in the neck and face from stress and poor posture.
For these reasons, it is especially helpful for treatment to include both physical therapy and dentistry and for the professionals in these fields to consult with each other and collaborate.
​​By working together, dentists and physical therapists ensure a comprehensive, conservative approach to TMJ therapy, addressing both structural and muscular factors for long-term relief.
The dental aspect of TMD treatment focuses on addressing bite (occlusal) issues, jaw alignment, and oral habits.
Here’s how Dr. Bellary can help:
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Bite (Occlusal) Analysis & Adjustments
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Oral Appliance Therapy (Splints, Nightguards)
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Stabilization Splints
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Anterior Deprogrammers
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Managing Parafunctional Habits (Bruxism, Clenching, Posture). Identifying and addressing habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), nail-biting, or tongue thrusting
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Educating patients on proper tongue and jaw posture to prevent unnecessary strain.
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Collaboration with Physical Therapy for Muscular & Postural Issues​
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Pain Management & Conservative Therapies
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Cold laser therapy, Botox (if indicated), or anti-inflammatory meds may help reduce muscle spasms.
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Patient education on home care (heat/cold packs, soft diet, avoiding excessive jaw movement).
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Advanced Cases – Orthodontics or Surgery
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement.
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How can physical therapy help TMJ dysfunction?
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Postural instruction
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Assess forward head posture and provide exercises​
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Improving jaw movement
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Manual therapy and exercises to improve range of motion​
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Reducing pain and tension
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Manual therapy, soft tissue work, joint mobilization to relieve pain and tension​
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Targeted exercises
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Relaxation techniques
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Since stress is a common cause of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, physical therapists can teach you ways to relax your jaw as well as managing stress levels overall.
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Children in sports
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Sports are great for kids but playing them can sometimes injure a child’s mouth and jaw. Without proper treatment these injuries can lead to future jaw and/or postural issues. Proper jaw position leads to better muscle function and performance through sports and in life.
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First Visit
During your first visit, we will review symptoms, lifestyle, and activities that make your symptoms better or worse.
Discussion will include eating, sleeping, and work habits.
Dr. Mukha will also:
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assess your posture
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assess the mobility of the joint
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measure range of motion of your neck
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measure your jaw’s range of motion in different directions
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measure jaw muscle strength, flexibility and symmetry
Additionally, Elite can advise specific supplements to help alleviate TMD symptoms.
A consultation is highly recommended with Dr. David Trumbore, who is a certified functional nutritionist as well as a physical therapist. Doses & specific suggestions will vary depending on your age, gender and health issues.