The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge joint that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones, which are located at the side of your skull. This joint lets you move your jaw up and down and side-to-side. When this joint is not functioning properly, you may experience pain or difficulty while talking, chewing, and yawning.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) can be caused by an injury to the jaw, head, or neck, grinding/clenching of the teeth, and even stress. Signs of TMD include pain that travels through the face, jaw, and neck, stiffness in the jaw muscles, and limited movement or locking of the jaw. Some may also experience painful clicking and/or popping at the jaw, or a change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Our physical therapists at Cynergy can help treat your TMD by using a combination of manual techniques and gentle strengthening exercises to restore the natural movements of your jaw and decrease pain.
Over 50% of patients treated conservatively (i.e., PT!) for TMJ pain/TMD find complete resolution of symptoms. Those with residual symptoms find that they occur less frequently and at a lower intensity.
Your provider will help you identify habits and postures and provide solutions potentially contributing to your jaw pain, such as:
- Stress
- Smoking
- Chewing gum
- Leaning on chin
- Nail/lip biting
- Clenching
- Grinding teeth at night
- Holding teeth together
- Computer work
What to Expect During Your First Visit for Jaw Pain
Your first PT appointment will begin with a space for you to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine if your provider is a good fit for you. They will take a health history, validate that there is a reason for your pain, set goals for your recovery, and establish a game plan to achieve them together, starting on that same day.
Next, your provider will begin a holistic and thorough examination, observing your posture, teeth alignment, bite, facial symmetry, breathing, and tongue movement/symmetry. They will observe the loading of your jaw with functional activities, and will also listen for any clicking or crackling sounds on jaw motion.
Your provider will screen for other symptoms that accompany your pain, such as headaches or dizziness. They will also assess your reflexes and sensation of the face and upper body; evaluate the range of motion, strength, joint mobility, and endurance of the jaw, neck, shoulder, and mid back; and provide hands-on care externally and internally in the mouth with your consent to examine the quality of your facial muscles and soft tissue for tension or restrictions.
Lastly, your provider will give a specific timeframe based on your personal examination on achieving your goals. They will explain findings on the exam that are significant and meaningful to you. They will guide you on starting treatment right away, which is usually a combination of self care, manual therapy if necessary, and exercises to be completed with your provider and at home on your own.
TMD/TMJ Therapists:
Schedule a TMD/TMJ Physical Therapy Appointment in NYC
Ready to address your jaw pain? Schedule a consultation by calling (212) 974-7252 or clicking here.
