Do you have nagging pain and soreness in your jaw or around your face? It may have something to do with your jaw, specifically the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). While you may not think of these joints often, you use them all the time when you talk, swallow, or chew. At Park Physical Therapy, we offer physical therapy to help patients treat this condition and restore the natural movement of the jaw. Continue reading to learn some of the signs of TMJ. 

What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows jaw movement and the ability to open and close the mouth. If you experience pain and discomfort in your jaw or near your ears, this could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Some of the TMJ disorder symptoms include difficulty chewing or swallowing, aching pain in the face and jaw, and locking of the joint that makes it challenging to open or close your mouth. One of the most unmistakable signs of TMJ disorder is a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth. Some of the causes of TMJ disorder include:

• Poor posture. 
• Jaw Clenching.
• Malocclusion.
• Fracture.
• Arthritis.
• Displacement. 
• Surgery. 

Symptoms associated with TMJ can be temporary or become chronic. If there is no pain or limited movement associated with your jaw clicking, treatment for TMJ disorder may not be necessary. 

Physical Therapy for TMJ

Physical therapy can be an effective way to combat TMJ pain and restore the natural movement of your jaw. Your physical therapist will carefully select treatments that will be suitable for you based on your unique needs, including:

• Posture education and awareness to improve your jaw’s resting position when sitting or moving. 
• Your therapist can use manual therapy to stretch the jaw and restore muscle and joint flexibility or break up adhesions that can develop when there is an injury. 
• Specialized pain treatments like ultrasounds or electrical nerve stimulation to reduce your symptoms. 
• Referral to a dentist that specializes in this disorder. 

Contact Us

At Park Physical Therapy, our team is well-versed in helping patients manage their TMJ and restore normal function to their jaw. Our team of compassionate physical therapists will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your pain and develop a treatment course to get you back to feeling like your old self. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.