Physical Therapy and TMJ

By Heather Allen, MS, PT

Did you know that a properly trained physical therapist can be an asset to you in the treatment of your TMJ issues? A physical therapist who has taken the appropriate course work is able to treat dental clients for everything from commonly heard of TMJ problems to generalized tooth pain, facial pain, alignment issues, as well as related headaches and neck/cervical spine issues.

While not everyone is familiar with TMJ (or more appropriately TMD, temporomandibular joint dysfunction) as a term, many have issues with this joint, the joint where the jaw bone (mandible) meets the head (temporal bones).

Are you a person who clenches their teeth when stressed? Perhaps you grind them while you're asleep? Does your mouth click or pop when you open and/or close it? Has your jaw ever locked open or closed on you? Is it painful to open your mouth to eat or get dental work done? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes” then you likely have problems with your TMJ and its surrounding soft tissue and bony structure which can be address by a specialized physical therapist in conjunction with your dentist.

If a physical therapist has pursued specialized study of the skull (or cranium), he/she has the background knowledge on the anatomy and mechanics of the jaw and how these hinged joints function in relationship to the head. With this knowledge he/she will be able to assess both the bony structure of the skull and the soft tissue that links the jaw to the head and determine where the underlying issues are with respect to alignment or abnormal muscle pull.

Through this assessment, a therapist is then able to apply specific manual or hands-on treatment skills, to correct alignment and soft tissue imbalances. Once balance has been restored to these structures, many of the above symptoms including pain and popping can be resolved.

So what do you do if you think you fall into this category of people with TMJ Dysfunction? First, go to your dentist and have them do a complete exam. If it's decided you have TMJ issues, ask them to refer you for physical therapy. Many patients have benefited from the hands-on treatment of these regions.

Why live with pain and limitation from your jaw when you don't have to?