Are physical therapy and medication helpful?

Yes, for early-stage TMJ conditions, medication and physical therapy are the foundational treatments. Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce pain and muscle tension, and physical therapy such as warm compresses and low-frequency stimulation improves blood flow, so muscular pain often improves within a few weeks. Some TMJ physical therapy items are covered by national health insurance, so the cost burden tends to be modest. However, if there is no improvement after 4 weeks or more of treatment, or limited mouth opening develops, we consider the next stage of treatment, such as a splint.