If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, clicking when you chew, or headaches that seem to start near your ears, you may be dealing with TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, and when it isn’t working properly, it can affect your ability to eat, speak, and live comfortably.
At StepUp Physical Therapy, we offer effective physical therapy for TMJ pain in Murray and West Valley City, Utah, helping patients alleviate discomfort, restore function, and return to a normal life without relying on medications or surgery.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder (sometimes called TMD) occurs when the jaw joint or the muscles around it become irritated, inflamed, or misaligned. Common causes include:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (often stress-related)
- Jaw injury or trauma
- Arthritis in the joint
- Poor posture affecting the neck and jaw
- Stress and muscle tension
Symptoms may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Neck and shoulder pain
How Physical Therapy Treats TMJ Pain
Physical therapy provides safe, natural relief for TMJ dysfunction by addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction. At StepUp Physical Therapy, we use a variety of techniques to improve jaw mobility, alleviate muscle tension, and restore balance to the joint.
1. Manual Therapy
Hands-on manual therapy techniques help relax tight jaw muscles, mobilize the joint, and improve alignment. This can relieve pain and make movement easier.
2. Targeted Exercises
We teach gentle strengthening and stretching exercises for the jaw, neck, and shoulders to improve posture, restore movement, and prevent future flare-ups.
3. Postural Training
Poor posture (like slouching at a desk) can contribute to TMJ pain. Our therapists help correct posture habits to reduce stress on the jaw and neck.
4. Relaxation & Stress Reduction
Since stress often leads to teeth clenching and jaw tension, we provide strategies to manage stress and relax the muscles that support your TMJ.
5. Patient Education
We guide you through lifestyle adjustments, including diet changes, sleep positions, and daily habits, to minimize strain on your jaw.
Physical Therapy Benefits
Patients who complete a TMJ therapy program often experience:
- ✅ Reduced jaw pain and tension
- ✅ Fewer headaches and migraines
- ✅ Improved ability to chew, speak, and yawn without pain
- ✅ Less jaw clicking and popping
- ✅ Better posture and neck alignment
- ✅ Long-term relief without medication or surgery
Start Relieving Your TMJ Pain Today
If you’re searching for TMJ treatment near Murray, West Valley City, or surrounding areas in Salt Lake County, StepUp Physical Therapy is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief. Our licensed therapists are trained in advanced TMJ rehabilitation techniques and will customize a program tailored to your unique needs.
Whether your pain is new or has been ongoing for years, our team can help you find relief and prevent it from coming back. Contact us today to request an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
Tags: Health & Wellness, Jaw Pain, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy, TMJ Pain, TMJ Physical Therapy
