Rocabado TMJ Therapy

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the joint connecting the lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. This bilateral joint is essential for jaw movements, allowing us to perform everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and swallowing.

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) encompass a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the surrounding structures. These disorders can arise from various factors, such as jaw misalignment, muscle tension, trauma and stress.

An estimated 75% of the U.S. population has experienced signs or symptoms associated with disorders involving the TMJ.

Symptoms of TMJ
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain or discomfort in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
- Locking of the jaw joint
- Ear aches or pain around the ears
- Headaches, especially in the temples or around the temples
- Tired or tense facial muscles
- Toothaches or sensitivity without dental issues
- Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Dizziness or vertigo in some cases

THE ROCABADO METHOD FOR TMJ DISORDERS

The Rocabado Method is a specialized approach designed to address TMJ disorders and related craniofacial and cervical conditions. Named after its developer, Dr. Mariano Rocabado (Dr. Jenny’s mentor), this method focuses on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to treating patients. The Rocabado approach consists of evaluation of the head, neck and TMJ joints to determine the cause of jaw clicking, jaw pain, headaches, migraines, and ear and neck pain. A physical therapist will complete a thorough examination of the spine, starting at the pelvis to evaluate alignment up to the cranium and TMJ.

The Rocabado approach restores the proper position of the head on the neck, called the cranio-vertebral angle. Slouching can promote loss of alignment and development of a “straight neck” or “inverted cervical lordosis”. Cervical lordosis promotes healthy neck joints and use of the neck with the least amount of load or compression.
Loss of cervical lordosis can promote lower cervical degenerative changes such as osteophytes, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and more. Restoring proper posture promotes improved neck range of motion, normal lordotic curvature of the neck, restoration of cranio-vertebral angle, decreased facial and shoulder tension, and more.

Children with poor posture are on their way to becoming adults with poor posture and can experience chronic tension and pain in the body. Children frequently are undertreated and should be evaluated.

An evaluation is also recommended for any child prior to initiating orthodontia or braces to determine if an underlying mouth/TMJ condition or posture may worsen with monthly orthodontic treatments that require wide opening.