If opening your mouth to eat or yawn is painful—or you hear popping when your jaw moves—TMJ dysfunction may be the source. Comprehensive Physical Therapy provides personalized care to help restore comfortable jaw movement and normal function.
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ dysfunction causes pain and stiffness in this joint and in the muscles that surround it. It can make everyday activities—such as eating, chewing, speaking, or yawning—uncomfortable.
TMJ dysfunction is typically diagnosed by a doctor or dentist. Our physical therapists can review your medical history and perform an examination to determine whether TMJ dysfunction may be contributing to your pain. The good news is that physical therapy can help eliminate jaw pain and improve normal function.
Pain can affect more than your jaw. TMJ symptoms may be felt around the ear, head, temples, neck, and surrounding muscles.
TMJ pain is commonly associated with:
At your initial appointment, your physical therapist will thoroughly examine your neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine to determine whether these structures are contributing to your symptoms. We will assess jaw mobility and work to relieve tension in the neck and head muscles.
Your care is built around your needs and symptoms. The goal is to restore normal function and help your jaw muscles and joints work together properly.
Personalized exercises can support mobility, control, and the return to comfortable jaw movement.
Your plan may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial methods to address muscle and joint tension.
When appropriate, care may also include electrical stimulation and ultrasound as part of your individualized treatment plan.
“I was suffering from intense pain related to TMJ. The muscles had spasmed to the point where I was unable to sleep, chew and it was difficult to speak. After 1 week of working with Billy, the pain subsided and I was able to slowly begin normal functions.”
Take action against jaw pain with a pain-relieving treatment plan unique to you. Our team in Metairie and Mandeville is ready to help you work toward comfortable movement and a pain-free life.