Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
In addition to pelvic physical therapy, we also specialize in jaw pain disorders such as TMJ dysfunction. Common symptoms of TMJ include:
​
-
Difficulty opening your mouth, eating, or yawning
-
Tenderness above or around the jaw
-
Pain with chewing or eating
-
Frequent headaches
-
Ringing in the ears or chronic earaches
-
Lockjaw
-
Jaw popping or clicking
-
Facial pain
​
What is TMJ?
The Temporomandibular joint acts as a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) causes pain and dysfunction in this joint which can result in any of the symptoms listed above.
​
What causes TMJ?
TMJ can be caused by trauma, an improper bite, chronic teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis or general wear and tear. Poor posture, walking patterns and stress also contribute to TMJ and the symptoms associated with it.
​
How can physical therapy help me?
During physical therapy, your physical therapist will focus on restoring the jaw's motion, strengthening the jaw muscles, decreasing neck and jaw pain and promoting "low-load" exercises to help you maintain healthy jaw function.
​
What does a typical session look like for a patient wit TMJ?
During your first session we will provide a thorough examination of your neck, shoulders, and Thoracic spine to determine if this is the root cause of your TMJ. We will then assess jaw mobility and determine if there is tightness in other areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders, back, and head. Our main goal of the sessions moving forward will be to help restore normal, pain-free function to your jaw and improve mobility. Since we believe patients should have total control over their health and well-being, you will be a critical asset in the determination of your treatment and recovery plan. Together, as a team, we will work with a variety of treatment methods such as jaw exercises, massages, and other methods, to help you return to the pain-free life you deserve.
​
Schedule your appointment today!
If you are struggling with symptoms of TMJ and want to regain control of your health and life, call/text us at (908) 509-1771 or email us at hello@pelvicelements.com.
​
Not sure if this treatment is right for you?
No worries! It is 100% normal to have questions and feel a level of uncertainty when exploring new treatment options. That's why we are offering all patients a free, 20-minute discovery call to address any concerns and answer any questions you may have about the services we provide, our pricing, etc. To schedule a call with us, simply click the button below.
The Relationship Between Jaw & Pelvic Pain
Jaw pain and pelvic pain often go hand-in-hand and can be affected by posture, walking patterns and stress. Slouching can cause your neck, jaw and pelvis to extend while prolonged sitting can lead to shortened muscles in the neck and hips. Even certain walking styles or patterns can cause these joints to be thrown out of whack. These types of imbalances that are created by poor posture can create pain and tightness in the pelvis and could lead to joint dysfunctions throughout the body, especially in the jaw. In addition to poor posture, stress and anxiety are other critical factors that link pelvic and jaw pain together. Both stress & anxiety can lead to clenching of both the jaw and the pelvic region which results in increased pressure in these areas. If this issue persists long enough, the jaw and pelvis may become stuck in this tense hold.
Join The Club
Join our email list and get the latest pelvic health info in your inbox every week!