TMJ / Jaw PainTMJ / Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) — commonly called TMJ — affects the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. It causes pain in the jaw, face, ear, and sometimes neck, along with clicking, popping, locking, and difficulty opening the mouth. TMD affects up to 12% of the population and is more common in women.

TMD can be caused by jaw joint dysfunction, muscle tension and trigger points in the masticatory muscles (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids), teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), stress, cervical spine dysfunction, poor posture, and trauma to the jaw. Many patients see dentists or oral surgeons but are unaware that physical therapy is highly effective for TMD.

At NeoLife Physical Therapy, our therapists are trained in TMJ assessment and treatment, including intraoral and extraoral manual therapy techniques, dry needling of the jaw musculature, and cervical spine treatment — providing a comprehensive approach that addresses all contributing factors.

Your NeoLife therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw joint mobility, muscle tone and trigger points, cervical spine function, posture, and movement patterns. This evaluation helps identify whether your TMD is primarily joint-driven, muscle-driven, or a combination of both.

Treatment may include manual therapy to the TMJ (both intraoral and extraoral techniques), functional dry needling of the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, cervical spine mobilization and treatment (frequently a contributing factor), jaw strengthening and coordination exercises, postural correction, stress management and relaxation techniques, and education on habits like clenching, gum chewing, and sleep positioning.

Many patients with TMD have a significant cervical spine component — meaning neck dysfunction is contributing to their jaw symptoms. NeoLife's comprehensive approach addresses both the jaw and the neck for complete resolution.