TMJ physical therapy treatment

Request appointment
50

What is TMJ therapy?

TMJ stands for “Temporomandibular Joint” which is the joint that links your lower jaw to your skull. It’s common to refer to jaw pain as “having TMJ,” but this is a bit of a misnomer. What they’re referring to is a condition known as TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder, causing symptoms in the TMJ such as pain or discomfort in the jaw area. 

TMJ therapy is a specialized form of treatment aimed at alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with TMD. In many cases, TMD is temporary, and with the right nonsurgical treatments, symptoms can be effectively managed or even eliminated.

Ignoring the signs of TMD is not advised. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to long-term discomfort and potentially affect the alignment of your upper and lower teeth. If you notice any persistent discomfort or changes in your jaw’s movement, it’s important to seek professional advice.

When is TMJ therapy recommended?

TMJ therapy is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of TMD. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • TMD pain or discomfort in the jaw joints area, face, or near the ear
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
  • Aching facial pain
  • TMD symptoms such as popping, clicking, or locking of the jaw joint
  • Pain when yawning, laughing, or eating
  • Neck pain or headaches
51

Therapists offering TMJ physical therapy treatment

Shruti Mishra

Physical Therapist MS , PT

Armia Adel

Physical Therapy PT

Tina Drescher

Physical Therapist PT

Kranthi Reddy Nalla

Physical Therapist MS , PT

Adeeb Hejazi

PTA PTA

Nehal Gandhi

Physical Therapist MPT , PT

Puja Gaikwad

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Garavi Angreji

Physical Therapist DPT

Matt Simms

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Jeremy Klapper

Physical Therapist MS , PT , DPT

Anant Kulkarni

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Carl Suico

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Saloni Chawala

Physical Therapist PT

Katie Elifritz

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Kyle Davis, PT, DPT

Site Coordinator of Clinical Education PT , DPT

Melissa Wint, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Tony Ng, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Michelle Sabogal, PT, DPT

Clinical Director PT , DPT

Brian Esterle, PT, DPT

Clinical Director PT , DPT

Caitlin Reid

Assistant Director CLT , PT , DPT

Leanna Gearhart

Physical Therapist MS , PT , DPT , OCS

Colby Choi, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist PT , DPT

Ryan Grunseich, PT, DPT

Clinical Director PT , DPT

Michelle Rooney

Clinical Director CSCS , PT , DPT , OCS

Ryan Coye

Area Director PT , DPT

Juan Correa

Physical Therapist PT , DPT , OCS , ATC

John Mackarey

Area Director PT , DPT

Michael Virgile

Regional Director PT , DPT

Ninia Agustin

Area Director and Director of Performing Arts PT , DPT
View all therapists

Schedule with Spear

Ready to get moving? Our expert team will guide you through your entire experience, from setting up your first appointment and verifying your insurance to building at-home treatment plans.

Request appointment

Frequently asked questions about TMJ physical therapy treatment

What is the best way to treat TMJ?
The severity of the condition and the symptoms of the individual will determine the best course of action for TMJ. Physical therapy is often the first prescribed form of treatment and a nonsurgical approach. Physical therapy may employ relaxation techniques, posture training, jaw strengthening exercises, and mouth guards to stop teeth clenching or grinding. Muscle relaxants and over-the-counter medications may occasionally be used to treat pain and inflammation. Joint surgery might be required in severe, uncommon cases.
What do TMJ problems feel like?
TMJ issues can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, and neck, as well as trouble chewing, headaches, and a popping or clicking sound in the jaw. Additionally, some people might have jaw locking or a shift in how their upper and lower teeth fit together.
Do TMJ problems go away?
Most people's TMJ issues are treatable with therapy and can be resolved without surgery. TMJ issues can, however, be chronic or recurrent for certain individuals, necessitating long-term care plans or, in extreme instances, surgery. It is not recommended to self-manage persistent TMJ discomfort.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
If left untreated, TMJ problems can result in persistent discomfort that affects the lower jaw, face, and neck. Additionally, it can make chewing and speaking difficult. In extreme cases,the position of the upper and lower teeth may be impacted, the jaw joint and encircling muscles may sustain irreparable harm, and jaw surgery may be required.
How do you fix a temporomandibular joint?
Fixing a temporomandibular joint necessitates treating the disorder's root cause. Physical therapy, breathing exercises, modifying one's diet to include softer foods, or wearing a mouth guard to stop teeth grinding are some examples of possible lifestyle adjustments.
What are the symptoms of the temporomandibular joint?
TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, such as ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus), as well as pain in the lower jaw joint, face, or neck, difficulty chewing, headaches, and painful clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
What does TMJ therapy treatment involve?
TMJ therapy involves a comprehensive approach that tackles the symptoms and underlying causes of TMD. Your therapist will evaluate you based on your specific, individual needs to create a customized treatment plan. This plan may include hands-on soft tissue mobilization, strengthening exercises for the jaw and neck muscles, and postural exercises.