Health

All You Need to Know About TMJ

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2022

Being in good health is vital and without this, life can be unbearable if you have to bear with jaw pain. When you experience pain on either side of your head in front of your ears, you might be suffering from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is one of the most common pains that people experience from time to time. Luckily, if you are experiencing TMJ in Dundalk, you can get help at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center.

TMJ disorder 101

The temporomandibular joint is found at the point where your mandibles meet the skull on both sides of your head. The temporomandibular joint enables you to speak, yawn, drink, chew and do everything else that involves opening and closing your mouth. If any or both joints are aching, this can be an indication of TMJ, and you require to seek medical attention.

Apart from pain in these joints, some other symptoms and signs are associated with TMJ disorder, and they include the following:

Facial pain
Jaw locking
Difficulty chewing
Uneven bite
Tenderness in the jaw
Earaches
Headaches

Furthermore, when chewing or opening your mouth, you will experience other signs like a grating sensation and a clicking sound.

Causes of TMJ disorder

TMJ is a very complicated joint because of its structure and mechanism. It integrates sliding motions and hinge action to enable you to speak and chew. The bones are covered by cartilage, while the small disc acts as the shock absorber. Moreover, this disc also separates the bones to maintain smooth movement.

Due to the complex and heavy usage of this joint, it is susceptible to diverse kinds of damage that include the following:

Worn down or misaligned disc
Teeth grinding and excessive use due to clenching of the jaw
Arthritic damage of the cartilage
Acute trauma such as a blow to the head

There are cases whereby the TMJ disorder comes without any specific reason. Those who suffer from this TMJ disorder prefer using home remedies such as massage and relaxation techniques to ease muscle tension. However, when these techniques fail to work for you, it is high time that you should contact CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center.

TMJ disorder treatment and diagnosis

When you visit your specialist at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, the physician performs an extensive examination to get to the root cause of your problem. They also review your medical history and do other advanced diagnostic activities such as taking the MRI or X-ray of your jaw. After that, they recommend the most appropriate treatment for your TMJ disorder. Severe cases may require surgery.

The kinds of treatment for TMJ disorder include the following:-

Corrective dental treatment
Oral medications
Botox injections
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Steroid injections

Do not allow TMJ pain to ruin your reason to smile or enjoy a bite of your favorite meal. If you are suffering from TMJ disorder, do not hesitate to book an appointment with your reliable physician at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.