Physical Therapy for the TMJ

A PT works with a patient doing manual therapy for TMD

Have you or someone you know ever dealt with jaw pain? What about popping/clicking of the jaw or problems with fully opening or closing the mouth? This could possibly involve the Temporomandibular Complex (TMC). While not commonly known, physical therapy can help with these symptoms, deficits or limitations. The TMC is made up of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and the surrounding structures and muscles. Thus, it allows opening and closing of your mouth, talking, chewing and yawning.

Symptoms that can be associated with Temporomandibular Dysfunction or Disease (TMD) are:

jaw pain

Physical Therapy Approaches

Deficits in the neck, specifically the upper cervical spine, are often found and related to these symptoms or problems of the TMJ. The upper cervical spine relates to the chewing muscles. This means the cervical spine must be addressed in many cases.

Physical therapy aims to address these deficits with several approaches:

Posture

The best posture is a moving posture (any prolonged position/posture is typically not a good position/posture). However, a forward-head posture specifically can increase muscle activation and tone of the muscles that chew and close the mouth. This can lead to more compression of the TMJ and teeth grinding. This could potentially cause pain, headaches or joint dysfunction.

Dentists will work to help with teeth alignment. When the teeth fit together better, this can reduce the surrounding muscle tone. An “occlusive approach” refers to approaching TMD from a teeth alignment standpoint. When necessary, your physical therapist will work closely with your dental clinician. This ensures both approaches (joint specific and occlusive) are appropriate and addressed correctly.

Occupational Considerations

Some common work-related activities can tend to worsen TMD and its associated symptoms. These can add compression at the TMJ.

This is just a small list of commonly seen positions/activities that can influence the TMJ. As always, it depends on the person. Again, no perfect posture exists (“the best posture is a moving posture”). Not all of the activities listed above will be problematic for everybody. Having a physical therapist who specializes in TMJ treatment is important. They can help guide a person through the process, in addition to manual therapy and targeted exercises. In addition, they can coordinate care with other providers to ensure the most effective care is provided.

Are you experiencing jaw pain?

Our specialists are committed to the application of evidence-based treatment techniques to ensure you experience the best in rehabilitation and preventative care and see progress with every visit.

TMJ TMD Treatment

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