The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It allows you to talk, chew and yawn. Opening and closing between 1,500 to 2,000 times a day, it’s one of the most used joints in your body. The TMJ is a complex joint made up of muscles, ligaments and a disc that work together to help ensure smooth jaw movement. When the muscles and ligaments surrounding this joint become inflamed or strained, it can cause TMJ dysfunction. This condition is surprisingly common and affects up to 12% of the adult population. TMJ dysfunction happens twice as often in women than it does in men. TMJ dysfunction can manifest in a variety of symptoms:

• Changes in teeth alignment or bite pattern. 
• Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints.
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the jaw.
• Facial swelling or inflammation.
• Jaw tenderness or pain. 
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Difficulty or pain while chewing or biting. 
• Feeling of fullness or aching in the ears.
• Clicking, popping or grinding sound when moving the jaw.
• Facial pain or discomfort.
• Pain or discomfort when yawning, talking or laughing.
• Headaches.
• Tinnitus. 

Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing continuing or severe symptoms, you should be evaluated and treated by a qualified health professional who specializes in TMJ disorders, such as a dentist, oral surgeon or physical therapist. While TMJ dysfunction is treatable, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Many people find relief through a combination of effective treatments, including physical therapy. 

Benefits of treatment for TMJ dysfunction from a physical therapist

Seeking treatment for TMJ dysfunction from a TMJ specialist can be a beneficial choice. A physical therapist with experience treating TMJ has the expertise and knowledge to best address your specific needs. They can treat your TMJ issues with precision and care. Getting treatment from a physical therapist first can bring a range of benefits, such as:

• Reduced pain — One of the most significant benefits is pain relief. Seeking physical therapy treatment for TMJ will deliver techniques to help target tight muscles and trigger points, easing pain in your jaw, face and even neck.
• Improved jaw function — Does chewing feel like a chore? TMJ treatment can help restore your proper jaw movement, and can make it easier and more comfortable for you to eat and talk.
• Fewer headaches — TMJ dysfunction can cause frequent headaches. Treatment can help break the cycle of pain and tension, enabling you to experience fewer headaches and improve your overall well-being. 
• Enhanced sleep quality — Pain and discomfort can disrupt your sleep. TMJ treatment can help you sleep more soundly, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized in the mornings.
• Increased confidence — Chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction can take a toll on your confidence, especially in social situations. TMJ treatment can help you feel more comfortable smiling, talking and interacting with others. 
• Improved hearing — TMJ can be linked to earaches, tinnitus and hearing loss. Treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall hearing health. 
• Boosted brain function — Chronic pain can disrupt your sleep and concentration. By managing your TMJ pain, you may see improvements in focus, memory and overall brain function.
• Less stress and anxiety — Chronic pain is a big stressor. Addressing your TMJ dysfunction can help lower your stress and anxiety levels. Thanks to less stress and anxiety, you can have a more positive outlook and improved emotional well-being.
• Improved dental health — TMJ dysfunction can sometimes cause teeth grinding or clenching, which can damage your teeth. Treatment can help improve your jaw alignment and reduce your risk of dental problems. 
• Less medication — You may be relying on pain medication to help manage your pain. TMJ treatment can help reduce pain naturally, potentially reducing your dependence on medication and its associated side effects. 
• More food options — Painful jaw function can make it hard for you to enjoy certain foods. TMJ treatment can help restore your proper jaw movement, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of textures and flavors in your diet. 
• Fewer digestive problems — TMJ dysfunction can affect your chewing process. This can cause you to have digestive problems like indigestion or acid reflux. Treatment can help improve your chewing function and potentially reduce your risk of these problems. 
• Prevention of other chronic conditions — There are links between untreated TMJ dysfunction and other chronic conditions. Addressing your TMJ dysfunction may help prevent the development of these conditions. 

How do you find a TMJ physical therapist near you?

Here’s how you can find a qualified TMJ specialist near you:

• Ask your doctor — Your primary care physician may be able to recommend a TMJ specialist doctor or a physical therapist who is trained in treating TMJ issues. 
• Search online directories — Several online resources list doctors and physical therapists by location and specialty. You can look for a specialist who advertises themselves as having experience in treating TMJ dysfunction. You can also read patient reviews to get a sense of their experience and treatment philosophy. 
• Ask for referrals — Talk to friends, family or even your dentist for recommendations on TMJ specialists near you. People who have successfully managed their TMJ dysfunction can be a valuable source of information and support. 

Physical therapy for TMJ dysfunction 

Once you’ve found a trusted physical therapist who can focus on treating your TMJ condition, they’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Your TMJ dysfunction treatment plan may include beneficial physical therapy techniques such as:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of hands-on techniques like:
• Joint mobilization — Your physical therapist will use gentle, controlled movements of your jaw to help improve its range of motion. They will use specific hand positions and movements to help stretch and glide the joint. This can help loosen restrictions and improve your ability to open and close your mouth comfortably.
• Soft tissue mobilization — Your therapist may use various manual techniques like stroking, kneading and trigger point therapy to help release tension and improve blood flow to your neck or jaw. 
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — IASTM involves your physical therapist using a smooth-edged tool to apply gentle pressure to specific areas of your skin and muscle tissue. As the tool glides over the targeted area, it can help break up scar tissue, improve blood flow and promote the healing process. This can be helpful for addressing chronic muscle tension or trigger points that contribute to TMJ pain. 
• Dry needling — Dry needling involves your physical therapist manually inserting thin, sterile needles into specific trigger points in your jaw muscles and neck. These trigger points are tight knots in your muscles that can cause pain. Dry needling can help release muscle tension by promoting relaxation and can also reduce pain. 
• Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist may recommend specific exercises intended to help strengthen and stretch the muscles around your jaw to improve joint stability and function. These exercises can include postural correction exercises to help improve head and neck alignment, which can help reduce stress on the jaw joint. 

Your physical therapist will discuss the best course of action based on your specific symptoms and needs and use a variety of treatments that may include some or all of these techniques. With the right treatment plan and your trusted physical therapist by your side, you can take control of your TMJ dysfunction and experience the benefits of feeling your best again. 

Excel Rehab & Sports is the most trusted physical therapy provider near you to help you experience life-changing benefits of TMJ treatment

At Excel Rehab & Sports, we understand the struggles and challenges living with TMJ dysfunction can cause. You don’t have to let TMJ dysfunction hold you back from enjoying life anymore. Our team of expert TMJ specialist physical therapists is dedicated to creating a personalized treatment plan that can address your unique needs. Together, we can help you achieve your treatment goals, improve jaw function, and boost your overall health and well-being. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your smile. 

Call us or request an appointment today for TMJ dysfunction treatment near you.