How Physical Therapy Can Relieve TMJ Pain and Improve Jaw, Neck & Shoulder Mobility
- Mark Jamantoc
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is more common than you might think—and if you've ever experienced jaw discomfort, clicking sounds when you chew, or stiffness in your neck and shoulders, you might be dealing with TMJ dysfunction.
Fortunately, physical therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive solution to help relieve TMJ pain and restore your comfort and mobility. In this post, we’ll explore what TMJ pain is, why it happens, and how physical therapy can make a lasting difference.
What Is TMJ Pain?
Your temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull, helping you speak, chew, yawn, and more. When these joints become inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw
Limited range of motion in the jaw
Headaches or facial pain
Neck and shoulder stiffness
TMJ pain can stem from poor posture, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, arthritis, or jaw injury.
How Physical Therapy Helps TMJ Pain
Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy is one of the most effective, conservative treatments for TMJ disorders. A licensed physical therapist uses a combination of techniques to reduce pain, improve joint function, and address contributing issues like poor posture or muscle tightness.
Here’s how PT helps:
1. Reducing Jaw Pain and Muscle Tension
Manual therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques are used to release tension in the jaw, neck, and facial muscles.
Trigger point release: Helps deactivate “knots” in overworked muscles.
Modalities: Therapists may apply heat, ice, or ultrasound to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
2. Improving Jaw Mobility and Function
Stretching and strengthening exercises: These are designed to increase jaw range of motion, realign joint mechanics, and support surrounding muscles.
Neuromuscular re-education: Helps retrain your muscles to move in healthy, pain-free ways.
Postural retraining: Teaching better head and neck positioning reduces strain on your jaw.
3. Enhancing Posture, Neck, and Shoulder Mobility
Many TMJ issues are linked to poor posture, especially forward head posture. A physical therapist can help you:
Rebalance your neck and shoulder muscles
Improve spinal alignment
Develop stronger support for your head and jaw through postural exercises
This holistic approach can greatly reduce the frequency and intensity of TMJ pain over time.
Tips for Managing TMJ Pain at Home
Alongside therapy, these tips can support your healing:
Practice good posture throughout the day
Avoid hard or chewy foods that strain the jaw
Use warm compresses to relax tight muscles
Try relaxation techniques to reduce jaw clenching or teeth grinding
Be mindful of repetitive movements like gum chewing or nail-biting
Don’t Wait to Get Relief
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, stiffness, or unexplained headaches, it could be more than just a passing issue. Physical therapy offers a safe, evidence-based approach to managing TMJ pain and improving your quality of life—without the need for medication or surgery.
Talk to your physical therapist or healthcare provider to see if TMJ therapy is right for you. Your jaw—and your whole body—will thank you!
📚 References
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Physical Therapist's Guide to Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-tmj
Mayo Clinic. TMJ disorders - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
Cleveland Clinic. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15037-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). TMJ Disorders. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj
Schiffman, E., Ohrbach, R., et al. (2014). Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 28(1), 6–27.
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