Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) forms at the meeting of the temple and the mandible. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 10 million adults are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD), or Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD). Common causes of TMJD include poor posture, oral surgeries, bruxism (grinding teeth or jaw clenching at night), fracture, stress, or trauma. As a result, symptoms include jaw pain or fatigue, difficulty in jaw movement, ear ringing, dizziness, headache, neck pain, or popping sounds in your jaw. Through a thorough assessment and treatment plan, physical therapy can help those suffering from TMJD.

What to expect in a TMJ Assessment

• Posture analysis
• Assess upper and lower c-spine mobility
• Palpate head, neck, and jaw musculature
• Measure jaw motion and observe tracking
• Classify whether the joint is involved

How Physical Therapy helps

• Decrease TMJ inflammation
• Decrease muscle imbalances with:
  • Soft tissue release
  • Stretching exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
• Improve postural alignment
• Teach proper body mechanics
• Restore normal function and mobility of TMJ
• Restore normal tongue resting position, coordination, and strength
• Education of positions and foods to avoid

Physical therapy treatment of jaw pain and dysfunction is available at select Elite Integrated Therapy Centers locations. For more information, contact our offices or schedule an appointment with one of our therapists today!