Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Physical Therapy

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jaw to the skull. This hinge-and-slide joint allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and express emotion. When TMJ mechanics go awry due to joint alignment issues or muscle tension, you may experience pain, limited motion, or clicking during jaw movements. At OrthoRehab Specialists, our Edina and Minneapolis teams specialize in TMJ dysfunction evaluation and treatment. We combine manual therapy, targeted exercises, and patient education to restore normal function and reduce discomfort.

Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

The TMJ is surrounded by muscles, ligaments, and a disc that cushions joint surfaces. Dysfunction can arise from:

• Disc displacement or injury within the joint capsule
• Muscle tension or spasms in the masseter, temporalis, or pterygoid muscles
• Arthritis causing cartilage wear and joint inflammation
• Malocclusion or uneven bite creating abnormal joint loading
• Stress-related teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)

Left untreated, TMJ dysfunction may lead to chronic pain, headaches, neck tightness, and difficulty eating. Early intervention with a physical therapy program can prevent symptom escalation and the need for invasive treatments.

Common TMJ Symptoms We Treat

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, head, or ear
• Limited jaw opening or closing range
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement
• Jaw locking in open or closed position
• Jaw fatigue after chewing
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Facial swelling or muscle tightness
• Arthritic changes in the joint
• Muscle spasms in the jaw or face
• Shift in jaw alignment or bite pattern

Comprehensive TMJ Evaluation

Your initial visit includes a detailed assessment:

• Patient Interview: We review your history of jaw pain, headaches, dental work, and daily stressors that may contribute to muscle tension.
• Postural Assessment: Neck and shoulder posture influence TMJ mechanics. We identify misalignments affecting jaw function.
• Range of Motion Testing: Measurement of jaw opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion to quantify restrictions.
• Muscle Palpation: Examination of masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles for tenderness or trigger points.
• Joint Mobility: Gentle intraoral and extraoral mobilizations to assess joint glide and disc position.
• Functional Movement Analysis: Observation of chewing, speaking, and swallowing patterns to detect compensations.

Based on this evaluation, we develop a personalized treatment plan targeting the underlying causes of your TMJ symptoms.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Our TMJ rehabilitation integrates multiple modalities:

• Manual Therapy – Joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and muscle energy techniques to improve joint mobility and relax muscles.
• Therapeutic Exercises – Controlled opening/closing drills, lateral glides, and stretching routines to restore normal movement patterns.
• Modalities – Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or cold compression to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Postural Correction – Cervical spine and shoulder strengthening to support balanced TMJ mechanics.
• Relaxation Techniques – Breathing exercises, biofeedback, and stress management to decrease bruxism and muscle tension.

Manual Therapy Techniques

Our hands-on approaches may include:

• Intraoral Mobilizations: Gentle pressure inside the mouth to improve joint glide and reduce adhesions.
• Myofascial Release: Sustained pressure on trigger points in the masseter and temporalis muscles.
• Muscle Energy Techniques: Active patient contractions followed by therapist-guided stretching to normalize muscle tone.
• Cervical Spine Mobilizations: To address neck posture and alleviate referred pain to the jaw.

Exercises & Home Program

Between sessions, you will perform a tailored home program to reinforce clinic gains:

• Controlled Opening: Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and open slowly without protruding the jaw.
• Lateral Glide: Use your hand to gently guide the jaw side to side for mobility.
• Goldfish Exercise: One or two-finger movements to improve coordination of jaw opening and closing.
• Self-Massage: Circular massage on the cheeks to reduce muscle tension.
• Postural Exercises: Chin tucks and scapular squeezes to support proper alignment.
• Relaxation Practice: Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to minimize bruxism during sleep.

Modalities for Pain Relief

In addition to manual therapy and exercise, we may use:

• Therapeutic Ultrasound: Deep heating to increase tissue extensibility and reduce inflammation.
• Electrical Stimulation: Low-frequency stimulation to decrease muscle spasms and improve circulation.
• Cold Compression: Intermittent ice packs to alleviate acute pain and swelling.

Patient Success Stories

“I struggled with ear pain and jaw clicking for years. After just four sessions of TMJ therapy, my symptoms decreased by 80 percent and I no longer wake up with headaches.” – Amanda, Minneapolis

“My dentist recommended a night guard but it made my jaw more stiff. OrthoRehab’s manual therapy and exercise program resolved my pain without a guard.” – James, Edina

Read more on our Patient Testimonials page.

Direct Access & Insurance Coverage

You can begin TMJ physical therapy under Minnesota’s direct access law, receiving up to 90 days of care without a physician referral. Most private and worker’s compensation plans cover TMJ evaluation and treatment. Verify benefits on our Insurance & Payment Options page or call our billing office at 612.355.2254. Medicare patients require a referral.

Getting Started

1. Contact Us: Call Edina at 952.922.0330 or Minneapolis at 612.339.2041.
2. Book Online: Visit our Contact page and select “TMJ Evaluation.”
3. Prepare for Your Visit: Complete new patient forms and bring any dental or imaging reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes jaw clicking?

Clicking often results from disc displacement in the TMJ. Manual therapy and stabilization exercises help recapture normal disc movement.

Can physical therapy correct bite issues?

While we do not perform dental adjustments, we improve muscle balance and jaw alignment to reduce strain on your bite.

Is TMJ therapy covered by insurance?

Most plans cover TMJ evaluation and manual therapy. Check your benefits on our Insurance page.

How long until I feel relief?

Many patients experience significant improvement within three to six sessions combined with home exercises.

Why Choose OrthoRehab Specialists?

• Therapist-Owned & Operated: Clinical decisions focus on patient outcomes rather than quotas.
• One-on-One Care: You see the same therapist each session for consistency and trust.
• Evidence-Based Practice: We follow APTA guidelines and current research for TMJ rehabilitation.
• Collaborative Approach: We work with dentists and physicians to coordinate your care.
• Convenient Locations: Two clinics in Edina and downtown Minneapolis with flexible hours.

Take Control of Your Jaw Health Today

If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or limited opening, do not wait. Contact our Edina or Minneapolis clinic to schedule your TMJ evaluation and begin a path to relief and function.