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TMJ Therapy

Physical Therapy For TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction affects an increasing number of patients each year. As physical therapists, we are in a unique position to help you as we can partner with your dentist to successfully manage dysfunction of the TMJ. There is a close relationship between the cervical spine, TMJ, and masticatory (chewing) system creating the potential for pain of cervical origin to affect the facial area.

If you are experiencing orofacial pain, systematic and well-rounded treatment such as physical therapy will fully dissolve your pain. Poor cervical posture can result in increased tone and trigger points in both jaw and cervical musculature. The resulting hypertonicity of specific muscles, including the masseter and temporalis, leads to myofascial pain.

PT Solutions Cranial Facial

Treatments For TMJ Dysfunction

PT Solutions can play an active role alongside your dentist to relieve pain and improve the dysfunction of the TMJ. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes a variety of interventions, including:

  • Specific exercises for the head and neck area
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Patient education for eating and posture
  • Joint mobilization of the neck and TMJ
  • Soft tissue mobilization and massage to surrounding muscles
  • Dry needling

 

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but the most common include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Difficulty and/or pain with chewing
  • Clicking when opening and closing your jaw
  • Muscle spasms around the jaw (lockjaw)
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain