DrupalWomenQ-#8962

I’m a confirmed gym-rat. I work out HARD at least twice a day. I have had surgery for TMJ 5 times, and now I need the next one. Is there any effective workout that will not strain my incredibly painful jaws?

from →  

0 Answers

  1. Tammy Wise wrote on :

    http://www.bodylogos.com BodyLogos is an approach to strength training that places as much focus on what is relaxing in the muscular system as what is being contracted. There is a DVD with three 1/2 hour workouts on it that will give you the basics, that can then be integrated into what you are already doing. TMJ is misplaced tension and tension is energy that has stopped moving, a holding pattern. With a little training you can learn to relax holding patterns as you work out. BodyLogos classes are also available in NYC.

    Reply
  2. Joanp wrote on :

    Maybe you should lighten up on your workouts. Have you asked your surgeon for any guidelines/restrictions on exercise? A Physical Therapist might also be a good resource. Good luck to you!

    Reply
    • Joanne Vicente wrote on :

      Thanks so much! I’ve lost about 140 pounds, but the last 30 won’t seem to budge, so I’m working it off, I hope. I’ve become a total gym-rat! I love it, even after spending a lifetime avoiding sweat, as most Miamians do!

      Reply
  3. Ann Rosenstein wrote on :

    TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. When pain occurs in TMJ it can be any number of things; the disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment, the joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis, the joint is damaged by a blow or other impact, the muscles that stabilize the joint become fatigued from overwork, which can happen if you habitually clench or grind your teeth. The only connection between you workouts and your TMJ I can see is clenching and/or grinding your teeth as you workout. Working out twice a day is a bit excessive and does not allow for your body to recover. This puts undue stress on the body and one way people deal with stress is to grind their teeth and clench their jaw. Since you already have had operations, you are seeing a specialist for the condition. I would suggest hiring a personal trainer to review your workout schedule and goals and see if making some changes in that area will alleviate any stress and help you avoid any more operations.

    Reply
    • Joanne Vicente wrote on :

      I’m careful about not clenching the jaw, but I think I should ask the doctor for a mouth guard, similar to the one I have to wear to sleep. Thanks for your response!

      Reply
  4. agsanchez wrote on :

    What type of workout are you looking for? Cardio? Weights?

    Reply
    • Joanne Vicente wrote on :

      I do both cardio and weights every day. Since the pain’s gotten so severe, I’ve been wearing out the treadmill for fear of strain.

      Reply
Are you an FOF Guru? Please to log in and post your response