Jaw and Head Conditions |
Craniofacial Pre & Post-Surgical CareFor Which Surgical Procedures do the Physical Therapists of PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group Provide Care? The specialized physical therapists of PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group provide rehabilitation for the following surgical procedures, which will accelerate the healing process and promote a faster post-surgical recovery.
Pre and Post Surgical Physical Therapy Treatment Will Consist of the Following:
Orthognathic Surgery What Specialized Training Do the Physical Therapists of PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group Have in Orthognathic Surgery Rehabilitation? Dr. Hobson has spent several years training with post-surgical head and neck physical therapist experts, Dr. Mariano Rocabado and Susana Petermann, PT in Santiago, Chile. In Chile, they have developed a post-surgical protocol for orthognathic surgery and facial surgery to restore normal function that we are proud to offer here at PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group. Treatment of the neck and TMJ are critical in promoting optimal outcomes with orthognathic surgery. Dr. Hobson has trained her staff and also teaches these techniques to other physical therapists at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. TMJ Arthroscopy What is TMJ Arthroscopy (Arthroscopic Surgery) and Why is CranioFacial Physical Therapist Care Important as an Adjunct Treatment? An arthroscopy allows your surgeon to see inside your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using a camera inserted through a small cut on your face. Your surgeon can diagnose problems such as a torn cartilage (TMJ disk) and damage to the surface of the joint. In some cases, when there is damage to the TMJ disc or displacement causes the joint to catch, click, pop or lock, you may benefit this type of surgery. We recommend undergoing pre and post-surgery craniofacial physical therapist care to ensure the most optimal outcome. Our craniofacial physical therapists will perform skilled manual therapy to the TMJ and cervical spine to optimize the outcome of TMJ arthroscopic surgery. Balancing the position of the upper neck and jaw bone improves joint mechanics and achieved with skilled manual therapy, tongue training (Myofunctional Therapy), nasal breathing training and postural re-education of the spine and the cranium. Arthrocentesis (Lavage) Procedure Why is It Important to See a CranioFacial Physical Therapist after Arthrocentesis Procedure? An arthrocentesis, also called a lavage, is a procedure during which the jaw joint is washed out with sterile fluid with the goal of returning the TMJ disc or cartilage to a normal position within the joint. Our craniofacial physical therapists are trained in restoring optimal TMJ joint mechanics, but at times the TMJ disc or cartilage restrictions prohibit free movement. We work with many oral surgeons who perform this procedure to help flush the joint and allow the disc to free up and improve position. Our skilled craniofacial physical therapists will restore optimal TMJ mechanics pre and post arthrocentesis procedure to optimize mouth range of motion with reduced clicking, catching or locking. Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT), Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE), Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) Treatment Surgically Facilitiated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT) is an advanced procedure that pinpoints and treats the underlying problems of insufficient alveolar bone and compromised arch forms in patients with maligned teeth. It is an alternative to the traditional orthodontic approach to managing dental crowding and malocclusion and is airway-directed. Our craniofacial physical therapists are trained in head and neck manual therapy and Myofunctional Therapy (tongue training). The SFOT is sometimes followed by an Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE), a non-surgical orthopedic palatal expansion device for adults with a narrowed, high-angle palate, or upper and lower jaw discrepancy. This technique utilizes micro implants or mini screws to anchor the expander in the roof of the mouth. The craniofacial physical therapist treatment serves as an adjunct treatment to SFOT and MSE and allows the individual to restore the proper tongue function and position and promotes nasal breathing. Many patients may have narrowed jaws associated with improper swallow and resting position of the tongue, and addressing these functions can help stabilize and optimize the procedures. Facial Paralysis Surgery What Experience Do the Physical Therapists of PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group in Treating Facial Paralysis and Facial Nerve Graft Surgery? Dr. Hobson has spent an extensive amount of time with facial paralysis rehabilitation expert, Todd Henkelmann, PT, who has specialized in this field for over 20 years. She has trained with him and learned specific exercises and hands-on techniques to help patients activate certain parts of the face while avoiding over-activating the areas that work well. The physical therapists of PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group use their hands-on skills and biofeedback to help patients pre-and-post surgery. What Treatments and Interventions Are Offered by PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group for Patients with Paralysis and after Facial Paralysis Nerve Grafting Surgery to Achieve the Best Possible Functional Outcomes?
Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Rehabilitation for survivors of head and neck cancer is a complex process due to the many functional challenges one might face after cancer treatment. Learn what the skilled physical therapists of PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group provide for patients with cancer. What Are the Most Common Limitations After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer?
What Treatments and Interventions are Offered by PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer and Help Achieve the Best Possible Functional Outcomes?
Megan M Case Report: She was diagnosed with sleep apnea and learned that her airway was the size of a coffee stirrer versus a slurpee straw. During evaluation, we identified a mouth breathing habit and began addressing the tongue placement, nose and diaphragm breathing, proper head and neck posture and overall core strength. Due to the very limited airway space and severe breathing symptoms, Megan decided to go through orthognathic surgery to move her lower jaw forward and widen her upper jaw to achieve adequate tongue space in order to improve her nasal and throat airway space. Treatment after surgery consisted head and neck manual therapy to improve the cranial-vertebral angle, Myofunctional Therapy to improve tongue posture and function, pre and post orthognathic surgery treatment and core stabilization. Following treatment, Megan was able to breathe better and position her head and neck in a healthy and stable posture. “I celebrate my recovery from jaw reconstruction thanks to the fantastic treatment by the doctors at PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group. I learned to understand how correct posture, jaw mechanics and specific exercises affect my chewing and speech. I regained 100% of my mobility and function, and have no residual swelling or pain.” -Carla S, patient
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