TMJ Dysfunction
Find Relief from Jaw Pain with Physical Therapy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and plays a vital role in speaking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint becomes injured, irritated, or misaligned, it can lead to TMJ dysfunction, a painful condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
At StepUp Physical Therapy in Murray & West Valley City, UT, our experienced team provides safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for TMJ dysfunction to help you restore comfort, improve function, and return to a pain-free lifestyle.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction (also called TMD) can cause:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when opening and closing the mouth
- Headaches and migraines
- Difficulty chewing or yawning
- Locking of the jaw
- Earaches or pain near the temple
This condition often affects one or both sides of the jaw, making simple daily tasks uncomfortable or even difficult.
Common causes of TMJ dysfunction include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching
- Arthritis
- Jaw injuries
- Misaligned teeth
- Stress and muscle tension
- Overuse from habits like gum chewing
How Is It Diagnosed?
There is no single test for diagnosing TMJ dysfunction. A healthcare provider will:
- Review your medical history
- Perform a physical exam of your jaw, neck, and head
- Rule out other possible conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland disorders, or lymph node issues
Sometimes, patients are referred to a dentist or jaw specialist for additional evaluation. Once TMJ dysfunction is confirmed, treatment is based on your unique symptoms and needs.
How Physical Therapy Helps TMJ Dysfunction
While some people find temporary relief from home remedies such as ice packs, over-the-counter medications, or stress management, these approaches don’t always provide lasting results.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective, holistic treatments for TMJ dysfunction. At StepUp Physical Therapy, our skilled therapists design personalized programs to restore normal jaw movement, reduce pain, and prevent symptoms from returning.
Your TMJ physical therapy plan may include:
- Manual therapy to release muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Jaw mobility and strengthening exercises
- Soft tissue massage to ease tightness and improve circulation
- Joint mobilization techniques to restore proper movement
- Postural training to reduce strain on the neck and jaw
- Modalities such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound for pain relief
Our therapists also educate you on lifestyle adjustments, such as diet changes, stress reduction techniques, and proper sleeping positions, to support long-term relief.
Why Choose StepUp Physical Therapy?
At StepUp Physical Therapy in Murray and West Valley City, UT, we are dedicated to helping patients with TMJ dysfunction find lasting relief without relying on invasive procedures or heavy medications. Many of our patients notice improvements in pain, mobility, and function after just a few sessions.
Get Relief from TMJ Pain Today
If you’re suffering from jaw pain, stiffness, or headaches caused by TMJ dysfunction, don’t wait. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you can get back to eating, talking, and living comfortably.
Contact us today to request an appointment and start your journey toward lasting TMJ relief.
