TMJ HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS THE HOME CARE PROGRAM IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR TREATMENT The home care program was developed to include the patient in the therapeutic process. Many lifestyle behaviors have been found to contribute to or cause muscle tension pain in the head, face and neck. Once established, these patterns of muscle tension result in the perpetuation of tension or improper posture. Improper posture then “feeds-back” into a growing chronic tension pattern. THE ACUPRESSURE PORTION OF THE HOME CARE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE OF ELIMINATE MUSCLE TENSION PAIN IN THE SPECIFIC MUSCLES AFFECTED. Each patient is instructed in a Pain Control class on the method of stimulating acupressure points related to specific muscles of the head, face and neck. The procedure, which is easily carried out with a commercial vibrator massager, takes five to six minutes to self administer. In addition, ice massage or other points is recommended for patients with more severe pain episodes. Some patients are instructed in “spray and stretch” techniques if it is seen necessary. As the muscles relax with acupressure, more blood will flow into the muscles and healing will be promoted. The role of diaphragmatic breathing in eliminating tension from the head, face and neck will be emphasized strongly. Upper thoracic breathing causes the muscles which support the neck and head to perform a dual function: breathing and support. With breathing shifted to the diaphragm, supportive muscles become more stable. Proper walking and seating postures are also emphasized in the home care program. Special consideration is given to job behaviors such as proper posture at desk and computer keyboard. Telephone cradling with the neck is strictly forbidden. The final portion of the home care program deals with when, what and how to eat. Experiencing pain and muscle tension uses up blood sugar. Without spaced eating of proper food, there is a tendency of the body to release epinephrine (adrenaline) so that reserve blood sugar can be released from the liver. However, epinephrine increases muscle tension even further. In certain cases, the proper food can act as muscle relaxant. www.alvaroordonezdds.com