Our treatment philosophy is conservative and non-surgical for TMD, head, neck and facial pain.
The staff is a dedicated, high-tech team of professionals who serve patients in a timely, value-conscious manner and pampered environment.
Our office provides the latest in techniques for diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and CMD. If you suffer with headaches, dizziness, jaw fatigue, earaches, facial pain, difficulty in closing the teeth together, pain when chewing or neck and shoulder stiffness, it may be TMJ disorder. Pain complaints may involve the chewing muscles, the jaw joints, the jaw itself or even the teeth. Once a patient is properly diagnosed, we may use selected, various treatments such as:
Custom orthotic (splint)
The custom made orthotic is an intra-oral appliance designed specifically for each patient. The appliance design is based on diagnosis and treatment objectives.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is the method of delivering medications to specific areas (muscles and tendons) without the use of needles. This device allows medications to penetrate through the skin with a very low DC electric current.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
This is used to relax muscles and reduce pain signals.
Spray & Stretch
This involves the use of vapocoolant spray to reduce pain while actively stretching muscles.
Trigger point injections
These small injections are used to relax painful "trigger" areas of effected muscles.
Cold Laser
Cold Laser Therapy, also known as phototherapy and low level laser therapy, involves the application of low power coherent light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing and reduce pain. It is used to increase the speed, quality and strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation and give pain relief. Cold Laser therapy has been found to offer superior healing and pain relieving effects compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, especially in chronic problems and in the early stages of acute injuries. Cold Laser Therapy is a complete system of treating muscle, tendon, ligament, connective tissue, bone, nerve, and dermal tissues in a non-invasive, drug-free modality.
Cold Lasers can strengthen and heal damaged cells. Using photochemical processes, laser light inserts bio-photons into damaged cells. The cells begin to produce energy (ATP), which improves their function, assists their division, strengthens the body's immune system, and causes the secretion of various hormones. The tissues are healed, and pain disappears. If damaged cells have died, the bio-photons help the division of neighboring cells, generating new tissues, and thus bring about healing.
- Low Level Laser Therapy promotes healing in many conditions because it penetrates the skin, increases the ATP and activates enzymes in the targeted cells.
- Growth factor response within the cells and tissue as a result of increased ATP and protein synthesis.
- Improved cell proliferation.
- Pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release.
- Strengthening the immune system response via increasing levels of lymphocyte activity.
Moist heat therapy
This involves applying moist heat to affected areas. The heat helps to improve circulation for tired or aching muscles, so healing nutrients can reach the tissues.
Nutrition counseling or referral
Lincoln TMJ Therapy has non-chew cookbooks available. We also have nutritional and supplement recommendations to aid in joint health.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency/ low level energy to warm tissues, aiding circulation and healing. Many times anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications are added to surface gels. This is called phonophoresis.
Energex (pulsed radiofrequency tissue stimulator)
Energex is a pulsed radiofrequency energy. Studies show significant increase in range of motion and decrease in pain for those who have TMJ arthalgia (pain in TM Joint).
Specific jaw, head and neck exercises
Dr. Hoefs can recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, usually with referral to Physical Therapists and Chiropractors.
ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) Appliance
The ALF appliance is used to help restore cranial osteopathic balance through light orthopedic forces. The ALF works by helping maintain the normal cranial movements through the maxilla (upper jaw) where it is placed. Along with manual cranial techniques and mandibular (lower jaw) appliances we are able to redirect biting forces that may have been leading to inappropriate forces into the cranial complex. These forces from the muscles of mastication (facial muscles), along with imbalanced muscle activity of the neck can lead to cranial strains (dysfunctional cranial suture movement).
These cranial strains can manifest themselves as malocclusions (crooked teeth), TMD (dysfunctional jaw joint), and facial asymmetries. These conditions in turn can lead to imbalances that cause pain and dysfunction. Although few people have perfectly symmetric faces, symmetry is recognized as a sign of health and beauty.
BOTOX therapeutic injections
Dr. Hoefs has received advanced training in the use of therapeutic Botox for pain management. He administers Botox following the protocol for migraine management as we as “TMJ” protocol. These two protocol are nearly identical. Dr. Hoefs has found Botox to be highly effective for pain management with patients that have not responded to other treatment modalities. It works as a localized muscle relaxant and is effective for 3-6 months.
A custom fitted orthotic -- also know as a splint - is the most suggested form of treatment. The splint helps eliminate muscle spasm and pain which occurs with bite imbalance. It also stabilizes the TM joints. The purpose of the splint is to balance the bite so the teeth, muscles and joints all work in harmony -- without strain or pain.
Once the proper jaw position is established, patients may need orthodontics or reconstruction to maintain the proper positioning of the teeth. We have knowledge of orthodontics and reconstruction, if needed, and will direct the completion of this jaw position with your orthodontist or dentist. We can also offer referrals to other health professionals.
