Temporomandibular Joint Rehabilitation

TMJ refers to the joints in your jaw called the temporomandibular joints.  We have two - one on each side of the face, just in front of your ear.  Pain associated with this joint is called temporomandibular dysfunction, or TMD.  

Both TM joints move together in order for you to open and close your mouth, talk, yawn, or chew.  Dysfunction may occur due to poor postural positioning, capsulitis, arthritis, or disc displacement in these joints.  If you have headaches, face, neck or ear pain, you may have temporal mandibular joint dysfunction and benefit from physical therapy treatment.

Physical Therapy for Joint Problems

Physical therapists evaluate these joints like most joints in the body – assessing joint position and mobility, flexibility, and muscle overuse/underuse in order to prepare a treatment plan.  Physical therapy may include patient education on posture and ergonomic training, modalities to decrease inflammation, soft-tissue and/or joint mobilization, and a light prescriptive exercise program for postural / joint balancing specifically tailored for you.