Why Specialize in TMD & Pelvic Health?

Early in my career I was introduced to Mary Massery’s concept of, “If you can’t breathe, you can’t function” and the “Soda-Pop Can Theory”.

As one of the therapists at Lynch TMJ Health, I have extensive training in both TMD and Pelvic Health. As a physical therapist, I have always been passionate about treating the whole person, rather than the diagnosis. During the course of my years practicing as a physical therapist, I have continued to grow in awareness as to how the human body truly is interconnected. When it comes to the jaw and pelvic floor, this could not be truer!

Massery’s theories explain the importance of maintaining effective intra-abdominal pressure to best support our bodies. If we are expected to have adequate and healthy breath and posture, we must have good stability and flexibility both in our vocal cords and pelvic floor. If any part of our “soda-can” has become restricted or unstable it affects the pressure of the whole body.

“The better our flexibility and stability is within our whole “soda-pop can” substantially reduces our strain on our bodies and improves our overall function and quality of life.”

It is my assertion that in some fashion, every patient I treat for TMD may likely present with abdominal and/or pelvic restrictions or possibly compensatory breathing strategies that are contributing to their TMD symptoms. In the same manner, when a patient comes seeking treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction it may be likely that they will have secondary discomfort in their neck and jaw because they have had to change their own internal pressure systems. The better our flexibility and stability is within our whole “soda-pop can” substantially reduces our strain on our bodies and improves our overall function and quality of life.

How does this affect my treatment?

Treatment may include but is not limited to:

• Patient Education

• Soft Tissue Mobilization

• Myofascial Release

• Joint Mobilizations

• Dry Needling

• Cues to Optimize Breathing Patterns

• Therapeutic Exercises Coupled with Breathing Techniques

• Consultation and Instruction for Appropriate Pelvic Floor Devices

• E-stim/Heat to Help Relax Muscular Tension

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website at www.lynchTMJhealth.com or call us at (410) 960-1601.