What is Orthognathic Surgery and How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a powerful procedure that realigns the jaw to improve function, correct bite issues, or enhance facial aesthetics. It's commonly performed to address jaw deformities, sleep apnea, TMJ dysfunction, or traumatic injuries. While the surgery itself is a critical first step, the path to full recovery doesn’t end there—physical therapy plays an essential role in restoring optimal movement, reducing pain, and preventing long-term complications.
What to Expect After Orthognathic Surgery
After orthognathic surgery, many patients experience jaw stiffness, limited range of motion, and muscular imbalances due to swelling, scar tissue, and altered biomechanics. That’s where specialized physical therapy for jaw surgery recovery becomes invaluable.
A skilled physical therapist trained in TMJ rehabilitation can guide you through safe, progressive exercises to improve jaw mobility, reduce soft tissue restrictions, and restore natural chewing and speaking patterns. Techniques may include gentle manual therapy, postural correction, myofascial release, and neuromuscular re-education to help the jaw muscles adapt to their new position.
Find Specialized Jaw Physical Therapy Near You
For those searching for physical therapy after orthognathic surgery in Atlanta, GA, it’s important to find a provider experienced in post-surgical TMJ care. At our clinic, we tailor recovery plans to each patient’s surgical outcomes and goals, promoting a smoother and faster return to everyday function.
If you're looking to learn more about generalized TMJ dysfunction how physical therapy can help, take a look at our general blog, Understanding TMJ Dysfunction and How Physical Therapy Can Help.
Whether you're recovering from a Le Fort procedure, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), or another corrective jaw surgery, physical therapy can bridge the gap between surgery and full function. Don’t let stiffness or pain linger—rehabilitation is a crucial part of your healing journey.
