Specialized Care for Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Facial Discomfort
TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause daily pain, difficulty chewing, and even chronic headaches or neck strain. At NY Manual Physical Therapy, we partner with dentists and other providers to create comprehensive treatment plans that reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
Understanding TMJ Dysfunction
What Is TMJ Dysfunction and What Causes It?
The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull and plays a key role in chewing, speaking, and overall facial movement. Dysfunction occurs when the joint or surrounding muscles become overactive, tight, or misaligned.
Because the cervical spine, jaw, and chewing muscles are closely linked, issues in the neck can also trigger jaw pain. Increased muscle tone in the jaw and neck (such as in the masseter or temporalis) may lead to myofascial pain, restricted motion, and headaches.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction presents differently for each patient, but the most frequent symptoms include:
-
Jaw pain or tenderness
-
Pain or difficulty with chewing
-
Clicking or popping when opening and closing the jaw
-
Locking or spasms in the jaw (lockjaw)
-
Headaches or migraines
Neck pain and stiffness
How Physical Therapy Helps TMJ Dysfunction
Physical therapy provides a safe, non-invasive approach to treating TMJ dysfunction by addressing both the joint and the surrounding muscles. Treatment is tailored to your specific needs and may include:
-
Targeted exercises for jaw, neck, and posture control
-
Neuromuscular re-education to restore proper movement patterns
-
Patient education for eating, posture, and self-management
-
Joint mobilization for the TMJ and cervical spine
-
Soft tissue mobilization and manual therapy for jaw and neck muscles
Dry needling when appropriate to release trigger points