Head & Neck · Trenton, MI
TMJ Dysfunction
Physical therapy for tmj dysfunction at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, and when it's irritated, everyday things — chewing, yawning, talking — can hurt. TMJ dysfunction often involves the jaw muscles, the joint's small disc, and frequently the neck as well.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for TMJ pain, and it often prevents the need for more invasive dental or surgical options.
Common signs & symptoms
- Jaw pain or tenderness, often near the ear
- Clicking, popping, or locking when opening the mouth
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Headaches or ear pain without infection
- Neck pain accompanying jaw symptoms
How physical therapy helps
We assess how your jaw opens, how the joint tracks, and how your neck posture influences it. Treatment combines gentle hands-on work to the jaw muscles inside and outside the mouth, joint mobilization, dry needling for the masseter and temporalis muscles when appropriate, and exercises that retrain smooth, symmetrical jaw motion.
Treatments we use
- Intraoral & external manual therapy
- Dry needling
- Joint mobilization
- Jaw motor-control exercises
- Neck & posture treatment
Frequently asked questions
Do you coordinate with my dentist?
Yes. TMJ care works best when your dentist and physical therapist communicate — especially if you use a night guard or are considering other dental treatment.
Does TMJ treatment hurt?
Treatment is gentle. Some hands-on techniques create brief, tolerable discomfort in tight muscles, but sessions should never be painful, and most patients leave feeling looser.
How long does TMJ recovery take?
Many patients improve noticeably within 4–8 visits. Long-standing cases with clenching or disc involvement can take longer; we'll give you an honest timeline after evaluation.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.