FAQ
A few things IHNSS patients often ask before their first visit.
Your Physical Therapy Questions, Answered
IHNSS Proudly Serves Gainesville and Surrounding Areas
Convenient location for patients in:
Gainesville • Alachua • Newberry • High Springs • Hawthorne • Archer • Micanopy • Lake City • Ocala
General
What is craniofacial physical therapy?
Craniofacial physical therapy is a specialty that assists with neck pain, head pain, jaw pain, mouth pain, numbness, tingling, and headaches. It also helps with post-operative pain following dental or oral surgery, and all kinds of pain that originate from the collar bones up.
What should I expect during a therapy session?
During a therapy session at Integrative Head and Neck Specialists, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation to identify the source of your problem. Every session is tailored to where you are in your recovery, with plenty of time to ask questions and understand your body better.
What should I bring on my first appointment?
Please wear comfortable clothing with a loose or mobile collar to allow access to your neck. We may also need to see your upper back, so women should wear a sports bra for coverage. Please bring your payment method and any documents you would like us to have a copy of that you may not have already uploaded to the portal.
What conditions do you treat?
Dr. Blanchard treats a wide range of head, neck, and jaw conditions, including but not limited to the following.
Group 1: Head, Neck and Jaw Cervicogenic headaches Chronic neck pain Frequent and long-lasting headaches TMJ clenching and jaw tension Strained neck muscle Postural issues Muscle contraction in the neck and upper body
Group 2: Neurological and Vestibular Vestibular problems and balance issues Dizziness and instability Peripheral neuropathies Auditory hypersensitivity Photosensitivity Muscle tension dysphonia Abnormal heart rate fluctuations
Group 3: Spine and Connective Tissue Cervical spine injuries Damaged cervical discs Thoracic outlet syndrome Hypermobility and connective tissue difficulties
Group 4: Other Pain Conditions Tinnitus Referred tooth pain Sinus-type congestion Eye floaters Chronic and debilitating pain Muscle atrophy and weakness Pain from clenching and grinding habits
Complex or unusual symptoms are welcome here. Text me directly for a complimentary 15-minute discovery call.
Common Diagnosis
Clicking Jaw
This known as disc dislocation with reduction. This means that the disc inside the jaw joint is not stable and may be more forward of the joint. You will click onto it in order to open your mouth fully and usually click off the back of it again when you close your mouth. This diagnosis may not require therapy, but if there is pain or you have moments where you are stuck and cannot get it to click, then therapy is indicated to assist with stabilizing the disc so that you do not become the next diagnosis of disc dislocation without reduction.
Stuck Jaw
This diagnosis is known as disc dislocation without reduction. This means that usually prior to this you did have some clicking in the joint but no trouble with eating or speaking. However, one day when it clicked upon closing or you woke up this way, you could no longer open your mouth typically beyond two fingers. This diagnosis needs help typically by the physical therapy and your dentist as needed. A splint can be helpful once we get the disc to begin to move again. Physical therapy will help to release the muscle and improve the motion of the disc. Therapy will also give you the tools and maneuvers to correct the disc if it should happen again. This diagnosis has a good prognosis when treated early after the lock has occurred. The longer the lock remains the harder it can be but not impossible to assist.
Muscle Face Pain
Myalgia of the masticatory muscles. This means that you have tension and pain with what would be a spasm in the jaw muscles, typically the masseter and temporalis. This diagnosis can easily be assisted with physical therapy and may require some changes in your posture, work habits, sleeping postures, etc. to help you reduce the tension and irritation. The muscles can refer pain to the lower teeth, upper teeth, joint, ear, and under the jaw. All of this can be treated with physical therapy focused on releasing them and giving you strategies and techniques to do at home to help it stay better. This is very treatable and education will help you reduce the likelihood of it returning.
Sharp Pain in the Face
Sharp pain in the face can have various causes, but most are treatable with physical therapy. This type of pain may be related to the nerves, and the longer you have had pain, the more nerves can get involved. This feeling can be what is called neuropathic pain, meaning that the nerves are stimulated from other areas and are now shooting along the face (trigeminal nerve). This can originate from the back of the neck, the joint, the face, and many other areas. Physical therapy will focus on finding the source of the symptom and helping you reduce the trigger that causes the pain through education, exercise, and hands-on treatment to get the muscles to release.
Neck Pain
Neck pain can arise from various sources, and understanding the tissue involved is crucial.
- Inside the joints of the neck: Conditions like arthritis, joint irritation, or disc changes can cause pain. These issues can be managed with hands-on techniques, postural strengthening, stability exercises, and education on reducing tension.
- Outside the joints of the neck: Ligaments and tendons may weaken over time due to arthritis, whiplash, or neck injuries, leading to tension changes. Improving prolonged postures, strengthening deep muscles for stability, and releasing tight muscles can help.
- Muscles of the neck: Larger muscles often become tight to compensate for deeper issues. This "muscle guarding" requires deeper muscle strengthening rather than stretching. Therapy focuses on enhancing muscle endurance for daily tasks, reducing persistent tension in the neck and shoulders.
Your specific condition will be discussed in detail during your examination to tailor the treatment plan to your needs.
Financial Questions
Cash Rate
To provide quality and extended timed services, this clinic operates on an out-of-network, pay-at-time-of-service basis. We do not accept insurance nor bill your insurance for you. However, we provide a superbill with all the information your insurance will need to assign our services as out-of-network. Cash, check, or card payment is required at the time of service. Placing your card on file is preferred to avoid any feelings of awkwardness by either party.
Out of Network Billing
We have set up your patient portal and billing screen to create a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement for out-of-network benefits. We accept FSA and HSA, and the superbill will also work for those plan needs.
