If you’ve felt pain while chewing, heard clicking in your jaw, or had trouble opening your mouth, you might have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The TMJ connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. When these joints are irritated or not working right, TMJ disorders can develop. These issues are common, affecting up to 12 million people in the United States.
Signs You May Be Suffering from a TMJ Disorder
It’s not always easy to know what causes a TMJ disorder, but habits like clenching your teeth, chewing gum, biting your nails, or feeling stressed can all play a part. Common symptoms are:
If you have ongoing jaw pain, tenderness, or trouble opening or closing your mouth, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider.
How Manual Therapy Can Help TMJ Disorders
The good news is that physical therapy is often a very effective way to treat TMJ disorders. Our therapists work to reduce pain, relax tight muscles, and help your jaw move better so you can find relief.
A physical therapy program for TMJ may include exercises to strengthen and stretch your jaw. These exercises help your jaw get stronger, open wider, and feel less strained. Manual therapy is also important, using hands-on techniques like soft-tissue and joint mobilization to loosen tight muscles, improve movement, and reduce discomfort.
Making changes like avoiding hard foods, cutting back on clenching, or improving your posture can also help with TMJ discomfort. Your physical therapist might also use treatments like heat therapy, cold therapy, or dry needling to relax your muscles and ease tension, depending on what you need.
Many people find real relief when physical therapy is a main part of their TMJ treatment plan.
Why Choose Ferrell-Whited for TMJ Manual Therapy?
At Ferrell-Whited, we know every patient is different. Your therapist will get to know you and understand how TMJ discomfort affects your daily life. We use a hands-on, personalized approach to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
Our experienced clinicians are here to help you move better, feel less pain, and get back to what you love. To start your journey to relief, call (330) 722-3781 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
