Experiencing jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth? These are common signs of TMJ dysfunction, also known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Physical therapy offers safe, effective, and drug-free treatments to relieve TMJ pain and restore comfortable jaw movement.
Understanding TMJ (the Temporomandibular Joint)
The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull, facilitating movements like talking, chewing, and yawning. Dysfunction in this joint, known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), can lead to various symptoms, including:
- Facial pain: Discomfort or tenderness in the jaw area.
- Popping/clicking: Sounds during jaw movement.
- Neck pain: Associated discomfort extending to the neck.
- Headaches: Tension or migraine-like pain.
- Limited jaw motion: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Ear-related issues: Pain, stuffiness and/or itchiness in the ear
- Dizziness: Feelings of lightheadedness or imbalance.
How physical therapy can help with TMJ symptoms
Physical therapy addresses TMD by focusing on both the TMJ and related structures, such as the upper cervical spine, facial muscles, posture and overall function of the mouth. Physical therapy interventions may include:
- Manual therapy: Techniques to work on how the jaw moves, facial tension and muscle tightness.
- Postural education:Teaching what neutral posture is and exercises to help attain and maintain with ease.
- Targeted exercises and stretches: Customized routines to strengthen and stretch muscles of the face, neck and trunk.
- Habit changes: Addressing things such as nail biting, pen chewing, cheek biting, etc.
- Breathing exercises: Improving breathing technique and offering education about how breathing (and not breathing) affects the jaw and surrounding area.
A physical therapist trained in TMJ treatment will also evaluate how neck posture, tongue position, and breathing patterns may be contributing to symptoms of TMD. Sometimes TMD can go beyond the jaw, and encompass a wide range of symptoms including the ears, teeth and head. Check out this blog to explore these potential presentations of TMD/TMJ and what TMD treatment with your physical therapist may look like.
Therapeutic Associates is lucky to have expert TMD practitioners, so don’t wait — if you are experiencing any of the pain or discomfort discussed in this blog, find a Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy clinic near you and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today!
Seeking treatment for jaw pain
Don’t let jaw pain and clicking, or headaches stop you from living comfortably. Our PT team includes specialists in TMD and TMJ therapy who will create a personalized plan to help you regain comfort and function.
Related: Exploring Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
TMJ disorders often connect to issues with muscle function in the face and mouth. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) can complement physical therapy by addressing breathing, chewing, and swallowing patterns that may contribute to jaw pain and dysfunction. Learn more about OMT and what to expect during therapy:
🔗 What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?
🔗 What Happens During Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
