The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is made up of the bony connection between the skull and the jaw (mandible), with a disc in between that allows for fluid movement. The TMJ is unique in that both joints function together to form one movement and are not independent of each other. It’s important to realize that the TMJ s a complex and important structure comprised of bones, tendons and muscles, and you may have pain on one or both sides of the jaw.

Someone with TMJ disorder may notice reduced jaw movement, limiting their ability to open or close their jaw and restricting their ability to eat, chew, yawn, or talk. If there is disc displacement of the jaw, symptoms result in the jaw locking or clicking when opening or closing. Additionally, their jaw may be tender to touch at the joint (in front of their ear) and/or stiff in the jaw muscles. This increase in muscle tightness contributes to headaches and pain with chewing.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy is effective in the treatment of TMJ. At Twin Creeks Physical Therapy, our physical therapist will analyze your jaw mobility and release muscle tension in the neck and head area.

A comprehensive evaluation is done of the neck, shoulder girdle and thoracic spine to determine if those structures are causing your symptoms. The goal of physical therapy is to restore the interaction of the muscles and joints and to restore normal function.

What Will My PT Do During Treatment?

  • Manual therapy techniques (including: soft tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, strain-counter strain, craniofacial, visceral mobilization, etc.)

  • Intra-oral and extra-oral manual therapy

  • Postural assessment and restoration

  • Exercises to address muscle imbalances

  • Training to reduce habits that aggravate your jaw

  • Breathing and relaxation training to reduce stress and tension in your jaw

  • Techniques for relaxing your jaw during exercise

Electric stimulation, ultrasound and dry needling may be used to decrease muscle tension and provide pain relief.

In addition, our physical therapist will educate you on dietary changes that will decrease stress on the jaw joint.