Exercise & TMD
Have you been evaluating your overall health and would like to introduce a fitness plan into your day but are concerned because you suffer from TMD? Daily exercise should be an important part of everyone’s life, and there are definitely ways that you can exercise, even if you suffer from TMD. Read on to learn more about exercises that would be beneficial and those you may want to avoid.
Can Exercise Affect TMD?
If you are looking to add exercise to your daily schedule but are concerned because you suffer from TMD, we are here to help. It is important to exercise daily, but the form of exercise will depend on whether you are experiencing a flare-up of your TMD symptoms or if your condition is easily aggravated. It’s important to note that each person’s TMD is different. Symptoms can be different and flare-ups may look different as well.
Taking a brisk walk should not be a problem, but lifting heavy weights may be for some patients. Some people have a tendency to clench their teeth and tense their bodies when they are preparing to lift weights. Clenching your teeth is not ideal when you have TMD. If you have improper form during exercise, you might strain your neck and shoulders, which can also aggravate your condition.
Exercise Recommendations
If you are looking to get more exercise, start by taking a daily walk and increasing your step count each day. Yoga is also a wonderful form of exercise that includes stretching, which may be beneficial if you are feeling tense. We recommend that you ease into anything you try. We do not recommend that patients immediately jump into high-strength activity if it is not something they are used to doing.
If you are interested in starting a new exercise regimen, we would recommend contacting our office, which is located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA, to be sure it won’t affect your TMD symptoms or treatment. We are happy to answer any questions you have about your treatment.
