How long does it typically take to complete a TMD exam and what is the typical number of visits for seeing these patients?
Answer
I have worked in two TMD clinics which had a psychologist, physical therapist, and a dentist. I loved these practices because we were allowed to have a patient for 30 minutes. I did an assessment, and so did my colleagues. Then we all convened to discuss the plan for the patient. I typically can get a TMD exam done between 20 and 25 minutes. Patients like to tell about their symptoms so the exam may take up to 30 minutes. I am allowed to have an hour with my people on their first visit. I get the evaluation done, give them some home exercises, and possibly get another modality in. For typical amount of visits, I tell my patients that I typically would see them 4 to 10 times. Usually within 4 treatments, I expect to see a difference. The pain or discomfort may not be all gone, but there should be a difference in the problem. I provide manual therapy, a good sound home exercise program, get rid of the parafunction, see if they need to see a dentist, etc. I do not recommend a dental intervention if the patient is ok with the mouth guard right away. We may be able to accomplish a difference before seeing a dentist.
Lori Steinley, PT, MS
Lori Steinley, PT, MS is a 1988 graduate of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical therapy. She is a 1994 graduate of St. Cloud State University with a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. Lori has spent the majority of her clinical practice in outpatient orthopedics with an emphasis on the neck, back, TMJ and headaches. She began working with patients with temporomandibular disorders in 1992 and has over 250 continuing education hours of instruction in assessment/treatment of the head/neck region. Lori is also a physician assistant, graduating from the University of North Dakota in Grade Forks, North Dakota, Magna Cum Laude, May 2014. She continues to maintain her physical therapy degree but is presently working as a physician assistant in Urology, primarily with pelvic pain patients.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/complex-and-chronic-impairment-in-4353Complex and Chronic Impairment in ConcussionThis webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comComplex and Chronic Impairment in ConcussionThis webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.4353OnlinePT120M
This webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/qikids-qigong-for-pediatrics-4866QiKIDS™ - Qigong for PediatricsIn “QiKids: Qigong for Pediatrics”, participants will learn gentle, effective mind & body-based movements, breaths and acupressure points proven to decrease stress, calm anxiety, improve mental focus, boost immune system function, and build resiliency. Qigong is the perfect therapeutic movement exercise for both clinicians and clients wanting to create a regular mindfulness practice that supports mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comQiKIDS™ - Qigong for PediatricsIn “QiKids: Qigong for Pediatrics”, participants will learn gentle, effective mind & body-based movements, breaths and acupressure points proven to decrease stress, calm anxiety, improve mental focus, boost immune system function, and build resiliency. Qigong is the perfect therapeutic movement exercise for both clinicians and clients wanting to create a regular mindfulness practice that supports mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.4866OnlinePT60M
In “QiKids: Qigong for Pediatrics”, participants will learn gentle, effective mind & body-based movements, breaths and acupressure points proven to decrease stress, calm anxiety, improve mental focus, boost immune system function, and build resiliency. Qigong is the perfect therapeutic movement exercise for both clinicians and clients wanting to create a regular mindfulness practice that supports mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/to-promote-lifelong-shoulder-health-4356How to Promote Lifelong Shoulder Health for Wheelchair UsersUsing a wheelchair places a significant strain on the upper extremity. Therapists should be proactive in preventing repetitive strain injuries to help clients maintain independence and improve their quality of life. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comHow to Promote Lifelong Shoulder Health for Wheelchair UsersUsing a wheelchair places a significant strain on the upper extremity. Therapists should be proactive in preventing repetitive strain injuries to help clients maintain independence and improve their quality of life. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.4356OnlinePT120M
'Information valuable to all physical therapists to help Peopleposture grid, use of imagery, postural taping, mirror feedback, flex ruler can all be of benefit to aid in lifelong postural correction and reduction of shoulder pain'Read Reviews
Using a wheelchair places a significant strain on the upper extremity. Therapists should be proactive in preventing repetitive strain injuries to help clients maintain independence and improve their quality of life. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/cycling-related-injury-common-injuries-4868Cycling Related Injury: Common Injuries of the Recreational Indoor and Outdoor CyclistsWith the pandemic and post-pandemic popularity of spin cycling exercise classes, as well as outdoor road biking, an increase in spinning-related injury and pain is ever present in the active population. This course is designed to highlight the mechanics and muscular activation required during the cycle revolution and the implications of speed, stand cycling, and power output on the risk of development of overuse injury.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comCycling Related Injury: Common Injuries of the Recreational Indoor and Outdoor CyclistsWith the pandemic and post-pandemic popularity of spin cycling exercise classes, as well as outdoor road biking, an increase in spinning-related injury and pain is ever present in the active population. This course is designed to highlight the mechanics and muscular activation required during the cycle revolution and the implications of speed, stand cycling, and power output on the risk of development of overuse injury.4868OnlinePT120M
With the pandemic and post-pandemic popularity of spin cycling exercise classes, as well as outdoor road biking, an increase in spinning-related injury and pain is ever present in the active population. This course is designed to highlight the mechanics and muscular activation required during the cycle revolution and the implications of speed, stand cycling, and power output on the risk of development of overuse injury.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/groin-pain-etiology-differential-diagnosis-4869Groin Pain: Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment StrategiesDelve into the intricacies of groin pain as we unravel its causes, discuss effective differential diagnoses, and explore cutting-edge treatment approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and refine your clinical strategies in addressing this common yet complex medical concern.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyPhysicalTherapy.comwww.physicaltherapy.comGroin Pain: Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment StrategiesDelve into the intricacies of groin pain as we unravel its causes, discuss effective differential diagnoses, and explore cutting-edge treatment approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and refine your clinical strategies in addressing this common yet complex medical concern.4869OnlinePT180M
Delve into the intricacies of groin pain as we unravel its causes, discuss effective differential diagnoses, and explore cutting-edge treatment approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and refine your clinical strategies in addressing this common yet complex medical concern.
