A self-management program is now used for treatment and control of the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
In 2016, the principal components of an effective self-management program for TMD were identified and agreed upon by eleven international experts in TMD therapy. 85% of patients with myogenous TMD can be treated with these programs.
These protocols and initiatives include:
relaxation therapy
massage
thermotherapy
education about TMD
dietary advice and nutrition
parafunctional behavior identification
monitoring and avoidance
TEE-MD: TOTAL RELIEF FROM THE SYMPTOMS OF TMD BOOKLET ▽
The Tee-MD devices have been created to deliver the first 3 of those main initiatives.
The system has been developed in accordance with the recommendations of Oral Medicine specialists and TMD experts, working together with the Postgraduate School of Dentistry in Sydney, Australia.
These programs are designed to also be used in conjunction with your dentist, who will perform a complete set of clinical and x-ray evaluations that are standard in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD.
Palpate to locate
It is imperative that you understand all about TMD in general, locating where the devices should be targeted and their function. Palpation of the muscles to pinpoint the areas to be treated is crucial, as is measuring the amount of mouth opening.
To identify any painful trigger points, slide the overlying skin back and forth across the sore muscles. If there are rigid bands present, move your fingers up and down the band, applying firm pressure whilst feeling where is the most tender point. These are the areas you need to aim for.
Mouth opening measurement is established by using the Tee-MD Range of Motion Gauge, which allows you to assess how much limitation of opening has occurred due to the jaw muscles length and flexibility decreasing.
Thermotherapy
Thermotherapy involves the application or removal of heat to the body for therapeutic purposes.
Application of heat to the body, thermotherapy by addition, is used for the treatment of TMD, especially in cases of increased muscle tension and pain crises.
The effects include vasodilation, increased blood flow and consequently oxygenation, elimination of metabolic waste, reduction of nerve pain and joint stiffness and muscle relaxation. The Tee-MD devices (Tee-MD Pro+ and Tee-MDi) apply superficial heat to the muscles at 42 degrees Celsius.
Thermotherapy relieves pain by increasing local blood circulation, therefore adding oxygen and removing metabolic wastes which can cause discomfort.
Duration of superficial heat application
Superficial heat application of at least 5 minutes and at most, 30 minutes, is recommended. Tee-MD Pro+ has a heating pad which is programmed for short term application, specifically to alleviate pain and prior to trigger point massage.
The Tee-MDi heating element is designed for longer exposure times and for a broader surface area. The cycle lasts for 15 minutes and is ideal for pain relief and as a precursor to all types of massage.
Intensity and frequency of heat stimulus
Patients with TMD are more sensitive to heat compared to normal individuals. Application, twice to three times a day for 15-20 minutes, yields the best outcomes for alleviation of discomfort. Each patient will soon work out what works most effectively for them.