Facial Pain and Apnea Appliance Therapy was established with the goal of creating the definitive specialty center for addressing these agonizing conditions. Our philosophy of care is rooted in orthopedics and physical medicine, so having our own head-and-neck physical therapist right in the office makes perfect sense.
About Dr. Frye
Dr. Kristy Frye PT, DPT, OCS, CERT. SMT, ITPT, Cert. VRS attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, where she received her undergraduate degree in health sciences and then went on to receive her masters and doctorate in physical therapy. She has attended numerous continuing education courses for temporomandibular/facial pain, spine, and extremity rehabilitation to further advance clinical skills.
Kristy has a special interest in the treatment of neck, head and face pain and has completed coursework specific to this area. She participated in educational opportunities with Steve Kraus, completed CRAFTA-1 Foundations: Craniomandibular, Assessment and Management and CRAFTA-2 Foundations: Craniofacial Assessment and Management. Her area within our practice is the Head and Neck Center for Advanced Care Physical Therapy, a local organization with several locations around Buffalo. Read More
Jaw Pain
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and/or the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.
Most oral health professionals will agree that the primary cause of this disorder is excessive strain on the muscle group that controls chewing, swallowing, and speech. This strain may be a result of bruxism (incessant clenching of the teeth), or from physical or mental stress. These factors may be the cause, in most cases, or may aggravate an existing condition of TMD.
Specific treatment for TMD will be determined by your physician, dentist or physical therapist based on your age, overall health, medical history, extent of the disease, your tolerance for specific procedures or therapies, expectations for the course of the disease, and your opinion or preference.
Treatments may include manual therapy techniques such as massage or joint mobilization, therapeutic exercise, education and modalities as appropriate. Modalities such as hot/cold, ultrasound and cold laser may help to reduce symptoms and improve one’s ability to tolerate more active treatments.
Headaches
Headaches can often be experienced in individuals who have neck pain or jaw pain. After a physical therapy evaluation, the physical therapist may be able to assist in improving your symptoms by performing manual therapy techniques in conjunction with basic exercises to these regions.
Neck Pain
Neck pain can be related to a number of factors including an injury, prolonged static postures, and arthritic changes. It can be of sudden or gradual onset and lead to neck or arm pain as well as headaches.
Following a detailed history and thorough evaluation, your physical therapist will develop goals specifically based on your findings. These goals will include returning you to better cervical health and pain free function. In order to best benefit you, the therapist will choose from a number of treatment options such as those listed below. Read More
Other Care
Many of our therapists are certified Vestibular Rehab Specialists. We can provide evaluation and treatment for dizziness and to help improve your balance. We focus on the treatment and prevention of many orthopedic conditions such as neck/back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain and post-operative pain.