Trigger Point Therapy

What Is Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger points are tender areas in a muscle that may cause pain where you press them or in another area, such as the face, temple, or neck. Trigger point therapy targets these areas with focused treatment to help reduce muscle-related discomfort. At SmileWorx, treatment may involve targeted pressure or microinjections, depending on your evaluation and care plan.

Jaw pain has several possible causes, including problems involving the teeth or jaw joint. An exam helps determine whether muscle-focused treatment makes sense for you.

When Might It Help?

If your jaw feels sore or tight, especially when you chew or after clenching, tense muscles may be part of the problem. Some people also notice temple headaches, neck tightness, or discomfort around the ear. These symptoms do not always come from trigger points, so it is useful to discuss when they started and what makes them better or worse.

Treatment aims to make daily activities more comfortable. How much relief you feel, and how quickly you feel it, varies from person to person. Dr. Spivak can reassess your symptoms and adjust your plan if your jaw is not improving as expected.

What Happens at a SmileWorx Visit?

Your visit begins with a discussion of your symptoms and an evaluation of your jaw and surrounding muscles. Dr. Spivak will explain what she finds and whether trigger point therapy is appropriate. If it is, she will discuss the recommended technique and what to expect from treatment.

You may also receive guidance on habits that can aggravate jaw discomfort, such as clenching or chewing hard foods. Depending on your needs, your plan may include self-care or another type of dental or physical care. The number of visits depends on your symptoms and response; relief cannot be promised after a set number of sessions.

What Can You Do Between Visits?

Simple measures, such as choosing softer foods during a flare-up, applying heat or cold, and following any jaw exercises recommended for you, may help manage discomfort. Avoid forcing a stretch or movement that increases pain. Ask your clinician which steps suit your symptoms and how often to do them.

Schedule an Evaluation in Vienna, VA

If jaw pain is interfering with eating, speaking, or sleep, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Olga Spivak at SmileWorx in Vienna, VA. We’ll help identify what may be causing your discomfort and discuss practical next steps toward relief.

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