The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint that holds the lower jaw below the skull. When this joint does not work correctly or causes pain, it is referred to as a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD pain can come from your jaw joint or the muscles that help move the jaw. Common symptoms include: jaw pain, neck pain, headache, earache, difficulty with jaw opening (catching, locking, or shifting), and painful joint noises (clicking, popping, or grating).
Our facility takes an interdisciplinary approach to treating TMD, combining services from highly trained clinicians in both the physical therapy and speech pathology departments. Therapy is tailored to each individual patient and may consist of services provided by physical therapy, speech therapy, or a combination of both specialties. Therapy for TMD may include the following:
- Massage
- Manual therapy
- Myofascial release
- Craniosacral therapy
- Cupping
- Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization
- Electrical Stimulation
- Moist heat
- Kinesiotaping
- Dry needling
- Ultrasound
- Postural education
- Stretching exercises
- Home exercise instruction
What our patients say:
“The care I received under the speech/TMJ specialist(s) was great! They were compassionate, knowledgeable, and yet professional. I felt relief after the first treatment! I would recommend Mary Rutan Therapy Services again, and I have already given many recommendations.”
- Gretchen Heater
“Miracle workers…that is how I would describe the therapist who helped to correct my TMJ pain! I went in with terrible pain and the inability to chew/bite foods. Using the services of physical therapy, speech therapy and dry needling, I am a walking testimony of success!”
- Alecia Myers