Treatments
Our complex therapeutic approach includes self care, botulinum toxin, physical care exercises, modalities (therapeutic), individual behavior therapeutic approach, pharmacotherapy and oral appliance therapy, and trigger point injections. It often takes a team and referral to other health care providers may also be needed as part of your treatment.
HEADACHES/FACE PAIN
Botulinum toxin type A (Xeomin, Botox, Dysport)
Botulinum toxin is transforming the way chronic facial pain is managed. Research data supports the way it works to relieve facial and headache pain, as well as migraine headaches. We are experts in the use of Botox for the control of multiple different facial pain and headache conditions.
Trigger Point Injections
Myalgia is the medical term for pain in the muscles. It is sometimes referred to as “myofascial pain syndrome.” Often this type of pain manifests as trigger points or bands of muscle that are painful to touch. Trigger point injections involve the injection of a mixture of local anesthetic and steroids to stop the pain cycle. Trigger point injections can be a powerful tool in a comprehensive pain control program.
Oral Appliance Therapies
TMJ
Oral splints, sometimes called “orthotic devices”, are one of the best ways of de-stressing the TM joint. Once the joint is de-stressed, the muscles and ligaments can relax and this brings relief from pain. Oral splints are also often essential for rebalancing and aligning the bite in the presence of advanced joint disease.
Bruxism
Bruxism can often reflect the beginning of an underlying TMJ condition. Significantly, the constant tension of the TMJ can lead to classic TMJ myalgia syndromes. Custom-made bruxism devices rebalance the bite and preserve the teeth. For the Orofacial Pain specialist, bruxism devices are important not only for protecting the tooth surface, but also for preventing a chronic pain condition.
Sleep Apnea
Mandibular advancement devices are the most effective, non-surgical way of relieving obstruction of the airway due to tongue prolapse. When you account for issues of compliance, they are equally effective to CPAP therapy, even in severe cases. We have combined decades of experience with fitting and maintaining these devices.
Therapies
Physical care exercises, modalities (therapeutic), and individual behavior therapeutic approaches can be helpful in alleviating orofacial pain and several of its associated conditions.
Psychomotor physical therapy is an approach that uses body awareness and physical activities.
It is based on the premise that stress resulting from physical, psychological and social situations may have effects on the body. Affecting muscle tension, breathing, posture, flexibility, and movements. During assessment, all these elements are considered in order to create an effective treatment plan.
