TMJ Physical Therapy

Dawn Sandalcidi, PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD

– Improve Jaw Motion and Reduce Pain.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a common condition that limits the function of the jaw and causes pain. Up to 33% of people will experience TMD symptoms at some point in their lives.

Physical Therapy Specialists Provide Relief for TMD Pain:
Our primary goals are to bring pain relief and restore function. Once we identify the source of your pain, we can put your optimal treatment plan in place thereby restoring healthy jaw function.

Established TMD Treatment Strategies:
- Manual Therapies
- Exercise Plans
- Self-Care Programs
- Patient Education

Treating Jaw Pain with Physical Therapy:
Patients with TMD often visit our clinic to address headache pain. After a detailed evaluation, we discover the true source of their pain is dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

TMD is also known as TMJ because of the impact on the temporomandibular joint. Headaches are a symptom of TMD.

With our customized treatment plans, we identify the best methods to address your specific symptoms. Improve your quality of life and restore comfort with improved jaw mobility.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint attaches your jaw to your skull. The joint functions to control jaw movements, like opening and closing your mouth, talking, yawning and chewing.

TMD occurs when the joint is damaged, the cartilage deteriorates or the disk becomes misaligned or can erode. If you are experiencing jaw pain or headaches, we’re here to help!

Pain is not normal! We want to address your jaw pain with effective physical therapy treatments.

TMD Symptoms:
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Jaw locking with opening or closing
- Clicking or clunking in the jaw
- Limited range of motion when opening mouth
- Headaches
- Swelling on the side of the face
- Uncomfortable bite

TMJ Physical Therapy Treatments:
1. Manual Therapy Solutions
- Relaxation of the jaw muscles through hands-on techniques
- Increased jaw movement and pain relief
- Restored flexibility through stretching

2. Exercise Plan
- TMJ specific exercises, like gentle stretches, tongue exercises and stabilization exercises for the jaw
- Stability exercises for your neck and shoulders
- Range of motion exercises

3. Treatment for TMD
- Joint Mobilization
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Myofascial Release
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Ultrasound
- Functional Home Exercise Program
- Self-Care Techniques

Benefits of TMJ Physical Therapy:
- Improve function and comfort
- Decrease inflammation
- Rehabilitate jaw joint
- Relieve pain and reduce dependence on medications
- Loosen, lengthen and relax muscles
- Avoid invasive surgery

Restore Jaw Function and Relieve Pain:
Discover your path to healing at Physical Therapy Specialists. Visit our clinic in Centennial or schedule a phone consultation. We are here for you!

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