Headaches, Fibromyalgia & TMJ Physical Therapy

Living with chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life. For those in Edina and the Twin Cities dealing with headaches, fibromyalgia, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, finding the right treatment approach is essential. At OrthoRehab Specialists, our Minnesota physical therapists focus on evidence-based techniques and personalized care plans designed to relieve pain, improve function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

Why Address Headaches, Fibromyalgia & TMJ

Chronic pain conditions such as headaches, fibromyalgia, and TMJ dysfunction affect millions of people and many in the Twin Cities experience these issues at some point. Addressing these conditions early can prevent long-term complications and improve everyday life.

• Headaches can result from muscle tension, posture problems, or cervical spine issues. Left untreated, headaches reduce productivity, increase stress, and disrupt sleep. Physical therapy can decrease both the frequency and intensity of tension and cervicogenic headaches. Learn more on our Headaches page.
• Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points across the body. Without proper management, fibromyalgia leads to reduced function and quality of life. A tailored approach combining gentle manual therapy, graded exercise, and relaxation techniques can help reduce pain and improve endurance. Learn more on our Fibromyalgia page.
• TMJ Dysfunction affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, and referred pain to the ear or temple. Left unaddressed, TMJ dysfunction worsens, impacting eating, speaking, and overall comfort. Physical therapy restores proper jaw mechanics through targeted exercises and manual techniques. Learn more on our TMJ Dysfunction page.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

We start with a thorough evaluation to identify the root causes of your symptoms. Our multi-step assessment includes:

• Patient Interview: We discuss medical history, symptom timeline, past treatments, and lifestyle factors. We want to know how pain affects your life in Edina, Bloomington, Minneapolis, and surrounding suburbs.
• Postural Assessment: Poor posture can strain the neck, shoulders, and jaw. We examine alignment, shoulder position, and spinal curves to pinpoint compensations that may cause headaches or TMJ issues.
• Functional Movement Analysis: We observe neck rotation, shoulder elevation, and jaw opening. Video analysis may reveal deviations in movement patterns that contribute to pain or tissue overload.
• Joint Mobility Testing: We assess cervical spine flexion, extension, and rotation, along with jaw joint range of motion. Identifying limitations in these areas helps target treatment.
• Muscle Strength & Flexibility Tests: We measure strength in the neck, upper back, shoulders, and jaw elevators. Flexibility tests for muscles like the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and masseter highlight tightness that may cause pain.
• Neuromuscular Screening: For fibromyalgia patients, we evaluate tenderness at multiple points, balance, and proprioception. These tests guide a safe progression of therapeutic exercises.
• Orthopedic Special Tests: We perform tests such as Spurling’s test for nerve root compression and specific TMJ exams like joint loading or palpation to clarify the source of pain.
• Functional Mobility Screens: We assess static and dynamic balance and gait mechanics, especially for fibromyalgia cases where fatigue during movement is a concern.

Targeted Treatment Modalities

After evaluation, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Manual Therapy: Soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and joint mobilizations help reduce muscle tension and restore proper mechanics to the neck, upper back, and jaw.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Custom exercises strengthen deep cervical flexors, scapular stabilizers, and jaw muscles. For fibromyalgia, low-impact strengthening and endurance exercises gradually build tolerance without triggering flare-ups.
• Stretching & Flexibility: Targeted stretches for the cervical spine, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter muscles alleviate tightness in headache and TMJ patients. Gentle stretching routines improve overall flexibility for fibromyalgia.
• Postural Training: Correcting posture reduces strain on the cervical spine and jaw. We provide ergonomic education for workstations in Edina and home environments, minimizing forward head posture and shoulder rounding that aggravate headaches.
• Neuromuscular Re-education: Balance drills, proprioceptive training, and core stability exercises help fibromyalgia patients improve neuromuscular control and overall function.
• Gait & Movement Retraining: For those whose headaches or fibromyalgia relate to pelvic or lower extremity dysfunction, we analyze walking and running mechanics. Proper gait reduces compensatory stress in the spine and jaw.
• Modalities: Therapeutic tools such as cold laser therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or cold packs help decrease pain and inflammation, accelerating tissue healing for acute TMJ flare-ups and fibromyalgia tender points.
• Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle, non-invasive technique targeting the craniosacral system releases restrictions around the skull and jaw, effectively addressing TMJ and tension-type headaches.
• Postural Restoration: By correcting muscular and diaphragmatic imbalances, we restore alignment of the rib cage and pelvis. This reduces nervous system activity, benefiting fibromyalgia patients with widespread sensitivity.
• Patient Education: We teach proper jaw rest position, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and self-care strategies such as trigger point release and foam rolling for the neck and upper back.

Common Conditions We Treat

Our therapists in Edina and the Twin Cities have extensive experience treating diverse chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Below are descriptions of disorders we frequently address:

• TMJ Dysfunction: Jaw joint dysfunction can result from misalignment, muscle overactivity, or stress. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, and headaches. We address TMJ issues with manual therapy to the jaw, joint mobilizations, corrective exercises, and relaxation techniques. Learn more on our TMJ Dysfunction page.
• Tension-Type Headaches: Originating from tight muscles in the neck and upper back, these headaches may be constant or episodic. Therapy includes trigger point release, cervical mobilizations, postural correction, and strengthening of deep neck flexors to reduce tension. See our Headaches page for details.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Caused by cervical spine dysfunction, these headaches often present with one-sided head and neck pain. We use cervical mobilizations, neuromuscular re-education, and targeted exercises to restore motion and reduce referred pain.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition marked by widespread pain, fatigue, and tender points. Our approach combines gentle manual therapy, graded exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and relaxation techniques. Balance training and low-impact cardiovascular exercises improve function. Visit our Fibromyalgia page for details.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Trigger points in neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles can refer pain to the head and face. We use myofascial release and dry needling to deactivate trigger points, restoring normal muscle function and reducing pain.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve root compression in the neck causes pain radiating into the shoulder or arm, sometimes with numbness. Therapy focuses on cervical mobilizations, traction, and nerve gliding to alleviate nerve irritation and improve function.
• Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Resulting from rapid acceleration-deceleration forces, whiplash injuries cause neck pain, headaches, and shoulder dysfunction. Rehabilitation includes cervical stabilization exercises, postural retraining, and a gradual return to normal activities protocol.
• Upper Crossed Syndrome: Tight upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles combined with weak deep neck flexors and lower trapezius cause forward head posture and shoulder protraction. These imbalances lead to headaches and TMJ strain. We correct them with targeted strengthening and stretching, manual techniques, and postural education.

Follow-Up Visits & Progress Monitoring

After your initial evaluation, follow-up sessions focus on implementing and progressing your personalized treatment plan. We monitor objective measures such as range of motion, muscle strength, functional movement quality, and pain scales to guide safe, efficient advancement. As you meet milestones, we adjust exercises, manual techniques, and functional tasks to prevent setbacks.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

We understand that schedules change. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice. Late cancellations for less than 24 hours notice and no-shows may incur a fee. If you have an emergency or illness, contact us as soon as possible so we can accommodate you without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a doctor’s referral to start therapy?

No. Minnesota’s direct-access law allows you to schedule an evaluation without a referral. If your insurance requires a prescription or prior authorization, our team will inform you and help coordinate any necessary paperwork with your physician.

How long is the initial evaluation?

Your first session typically lasts about 60 minutes. This includes completing intake forms, a detailed interview, physical assessments, goal setting, and planning your treatment. Please arrive 10 minutes early to finish any remaining paperwork.

Will my insurance cover these services?

We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medica, UCare, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and PreferredOne. Our team verifies your benefits when you schedule. If you are uninsured or prefer self-pay, we offer transparent cash rates and flexible payment plans.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable athletic attire such as shorts or athletic pants and a fitted top that allows full movement. Athletic shoes with support are recommended, especially if your evaluation involves gait or balance testing. Avoid jewelry or accessories that may interfere with palpation or movement analysis.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies based on condition severity, goals, and progress. On average, patients attend therapy two to three times per week for four to eight weeks. We continually reassess your improvements and adjust both the treatment plan and frequency for best outcomes and a smooth transition to maintenance exercises.

Why Choose OrthoRehab Specialists for Chronic Pain & TMJ Care?

• Therapist-Owned & Operated Clinics: Our clinical decisions focus on patient outcomes not corporate targets. The owners are licensed physical therapists who maintain high standards of care across Edina and Minneapolis locations.
• Evidence-Based Practice: We apply the latest research and APTA guidelines to deliver safe, effective treatments tailored to each condition.
• One-on-One Treatment: You will see the same therapist each session, ensuring consistent feedback, trust, and personalized care that addresses your unique needs.
• Comprehensive Services: Our clinics offer a full spectrum of care from manual therapy and exercise to dry needling, craniosacral therapy, and neuromuscular techniques for diverse chronic pain and TMJ conditions.
• Patient Education & Empowerment: We teach proper biomechanics, ergonomic adjustments, breathing exercises, and self-management strategies so you can maintain progress long after formal therapy ends.
• Convenient Locations & Flexible Scheduling: Our Edina and Twin Cities clinics offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments to fit your busy life. We make care accessible across the region.
• Collaborative Referrals: Over 600 Twin Cities physicians and specialists trust us for chronic pain and TMJ rehabilitation. We communicate regularly with your healthcare providers for integrated care.

To learn more about our philosophy and specialized services, visit our Why OrthoRehab Specialists page or explore detailed treatment descriptions on our Physical Therapy Services page. We encourage you to be an active participant in your recovery by asking questions and providing feedback as we develop a plan to help you live pain-free.

Get Started Today – Take Back Control of Your Life

If you are ready to overcome headaches, fibromyalgia, or TMJ dysfunction, OrthoRehab Specialists is here to guide your journey. To verify your insurance or ask questions, call us at 612-355-2254. When you are ready, choose your preferred booking method above and schedule your initial evaluation. We look forward to partnering with you on your path to improved function, reduced pain, and a healthier, more active life.