Can TMJ be fixed with Physical Therapy?
- Erienne Blanchard
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
TMJ pain can absolutely be resolved with physical therapy, especially when you work with a
specialist who understands the intricate connections between your jaw joint, muscles, and
overall function. A TMJ-focused physical therapist doesn't just treat symptoms; they restore your quality of life by addressing the root causes of your discomfort.
The Power of Specialized Expertise
Physical therapists who specialize in TMJ disorders practice what’s called craniofacial physical therapy - the specialty offered here in Gainesville at Integrative Head and Neck Specialists.
Think of them as specialists who speak your jaw's language fluently. They possess the
advanced skills to:
Pinpoint exactly where your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain originates
Identify whether it's stemming from chewing muscles, the joint itself, the disc, your neck, or surrounding nerves
Create a targeted strategy to eliminate the pain at its source
Here's the reassuring truth: While the TMJ is undeniably complex, you don't need to
understand every mechanical detail to find real relief. That's what your specialist is for!
TMJ Treatment at Home: How to fix your TMJ naturally?
There are several things you can do to alleviate your pain right now - many of which I teach my
Gainesville patients to practice between visits. Let's begin with two powerful tmj treatment
techniques targeting the muscles that often hold the most tension: the temporalis muscle and
the masseter muscle, both of which are prone to tension if you clench or grind your teeth.
The Temporalis Muscle: Your First TMJ Treatment Target
Location: Place your fingers along the side of your head, just above your ear. This powerful
muscle helps close your mouth and often develops painful trigger points (knots) that run like the
line a pencil makes when you place it on your ear.
The Technique:
Using moderate pressure, gently rub upward from your ear toward the top of your head
Move only as much as your skin allows - no forcing
Expect some discomfort to get the knot to release; you might even feel referred pain in
your upper teeth (this is normal!)
Continue until you feel the knot begin to release
The Masseter Muscle: Your Second TMJ Treatment Target
Location: This muscle runs from your cheekbone down to your jaw and is a common culprit
behind TMJ pain.
The Technique: Use the same gentle upward rubbing motion as before, working from your
cheekbone down to your jawline to target the masseter muscle.
What to expect: Trigger points here may cause pain in your lower teeth, cheekbone, or even
around your eye.
More Than Muscle? When the Joint Itself is the Problem:
If you suspect your actual joint is the culprit, pause here. Joint-related TMJ can involve several
factors: bone changes, disc positioning, and the mechanics of both sides of the jaw. Because of
this complexity, it’s important to get a professional evaluation before starting any exercise
program.
The smart move? Have it properly assessed to ensure you take safe actions from day one.
What is the Best Exercise for TMJ? Meet the “Guppy”
There's one exercise that's safe for every TMJ pain sufferer, regardless of your pain level or
healing stage. It's called the "Guppy" and yes, you'll look a bit like a fish out of water when you
do it correctly, but the results speak for themselves.
How to Perform the Guppy:
Tongue placement: Position your tongue on the roof of your mouth, as if you're about to make a clicking sound
Anchor and hold: Keep the center of your tongue firmly in place
Gentle opening: Slowly open your jaw - this will naturally limit you to about half your
normal range of motion
Pain-free rule: This should never cause discomfort
Why the Guppy Works So Well:
This deceptively simple exercise is actually a comprehensive treatment that:
Delivers fresh oxygen and nutrients to starved jaw muscles
Bathes joints in healing fluid and nutrients
Re-establishes proper joint mechanics and movement patterns
Calms irritated nerves throughout the system
Your prescription: Perform 10 repetitions every hour, or whenever you feel tension building.
This is active movement that's completely safe to repeat throughout the day.
What Exercises Should You Avoid with TMJ?
The key insight? TMJ pain is intimately connected to your upper cervical (neck) alignment,
which means strategic posture awareness during exercise can make all the difference. Rather
than avoid exercise, I guide my Gainesville patients to make smart modifications that protect
their TMJ while keeping up with fitness.
Exercise Guidelines That Protect Your Progress:
Pulldowns & Rows: Keep your cheekbones aligned directly over your sternum; this
maintains optimal head and neck positioning.
Planks: Maintain a "neck plank" position: chin slightly tucked, avoiding both head
drooping and forward craning.
Squats & Heavy Lifting: Set your jaw in neutral posture before each rep: tongue up,
teeth slightly apart, lips gently closed. This prevents protective clenching that stresses joints and muscles.
Key Takeaway: Continuing your strength and cardio programs actually supports pain reduction
and overall health. The goal is intelligent modification, not elimination.
What is the Most Successful Treatment for TMJ?
The most successful TMJ treatments combine expert clinical evaluation with a comprehensive
approach as follows:
Dental Evaluation Rules out infections, tooth problems, or urgent medical needs that could be driving your symptoms.
Craniofacial Physical Therapy, including:
Comprehensive evaluation of head, neck, and jaw relationships (because everything's connected)
Hands-on manual therapy to release muscle tension, and joint restrictions
Targeted mobilization and manipulation to restore proper spinal and jaw alignment
Progressive exercises to build lasting stability in your new pain-free positions
Patient Education: Understanding your condition, triggers, and prevention strategies puts you in control of your recovery.
Additional Specialists (As Needed) Your physical therapist may bring in ENT specialists,
rheumatologists, oral maxillofacial surgeons, primary care providers, or counselors to address
every aspect of your condition.
Your Path Forward
TMJ pain doesn't have to be your new normal. With the right approach, combining professional
expertise, targeted techniques, and your active participation, most people experience significant
improvement and often complete resolution of their symptoms.
If you are located in Gainesville or nearby areas such as Ocala, Newberry, or Lake City, our team
offers expert craniofacial physical therapy to relieve jaw pain, restore function, and give you your
life back. Our specialised and extensive expertise means we can relieve most patients in just six
sessions.
Book Your TMJ Consultation → Today
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