Physical therapy for the postsurgical TMJ patient.

The evolution of the role of the physical therapist in the treatment of dysfunction in the stomatognathic system includes involvement in oral surgery and postsurgical repair procedures of the TMJ. There is no doubt that the multidisciplinary approach to treatment is essential to the effective treatment of a surgically repaired or restructured synovial joint. The surgical and therapeutic goals are to restore the joint, as much as possible, to a friction-free, pain-free, functional range of motion. To accomplish this, the practitioner must consider the normal structure and biomechanics of ligaments and tendons; the time frame for adequate collagen fiber biosynthesis; and the effects of immobilization, controlled mobilization, and exercise on ligament repair.