TMJ Dysfunction

Physical therapy for jaw pain, stiffness, clicking, and difficulty chewing

Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

Do you struggle to open your mouth when eating or yawning? Do you hear a popping sound when you open or close your mouth? TMJ dysfunction could be the source—and physical therapy may help resolve your dysfunction.

The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull. If this joint is injured or becomes damaged, TMJ dysfunction may develop. The condition causes pain and stiffness in the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles.

The temporomandibular joint is a complex, important structure made up of bones, tendons, and muscles. Pain can occur on one or both sides of the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth, talk, yawn, and chew.

A dentist or doctor usually diagnoses TMJ dysfunction, while a physical therapist can provide treatment to help resolve the condition. At Cutting Edge Physical Therapy, our therapists are skilled at treating TMJ disorders and identifying possible causes of your pain.

Could your symptoms be TMJ-related?

If you have difficulty chewing or yawning, jaw pain, or hear a clicking noise when you open and shut your mouth, you could have TMJ dysfunction.

TMJ pain is commonly caused by teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), dislocation of the disc between the ball-and-socket joint, arthritis, stress, or trauma.

Common symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness of the jaw
  • Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
  • Pain in and around the ear, including earaches
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • Facial pain
  • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
  • Headaches in the temples

If these symptoms are affecting your day, our Salt Lake City-area clinic is ready to help you pursue lasting pain relief.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Our physical therapists are patient-centric and committed to your health. We conduct a thorough examination that includes a detailed medical history and physical examination, then address the joint and surrounding muscles to help restore proper alignment and function.

Thorough Evaluation

Your care begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination to help identify the source of jaw pain and dysfunction.

Joint & Muscle Care

Treatment addresses both the temporomandibular joint and the surrounding muscles involved in comfortable jaw movement.

Restore Function

Our goal is to help restore proper alignment and function so talking, chewing, yawning, and opening your mouth are easier.

Find Relief From Jaw Pain and Stiffness

Don’t suffer from TMJ symptoms any longer. The Cutting Edge Physical Therapy team works hard to help patients manage and eliminate symptoms with personalized care.

Serving the Salt Lake City area from Murray, Utah.