TMJ Physical Therapy in Ann Arbor
Jaw pain, clicking and tension can make eating, talking and even sleeping miserable. Physical therapy is a proven, conservative way to calm TMJ pain, and Dr. Joe treats the jaw together with the neck and posture habits that often feed it.
A Night Guard Protects Your Teeth. It Doesn’t Always Fix Your Jaw.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are more common than most people realize. The jaw joint and the muscles that move it can become irritated from clenching, grinding, stress, long periods of sustained posture, an injury, or simply chewing and talking with a jaw that’s already sensitive.
Night guards and soft diets have their place, but they don’t restore normal jaw motion or address the muscle tension and neck involvement that often come along with jaw pain.
We treat the jaw as part of a system: the joint, the chewing muscles, the neck and upper back, and the habits that load them all day.
Jaw Problems We Treat
Physical therapy is a first-line, conservative option for most jaw pain.
TMJ Pain (TMD)
Pain in or around the jaw joint with chewing, talking or opening wide.
Clicking & Popping
Noisy jaw joints, especially when they come with pain or limited motion.
Jaw Tightness & Limited Opening
A jaw that feels stiff or won’t open as far as it should.
Clenching & Grinding Tension
Tired, sore chewing muscles from daytime clenching or nighttime grinding.
Jaw-Related Headaches
Headaches around the temples that come with jaw tension. See our headaches page.
Jaw Pain With Neck Pain
When jaw symptoms travel with neck stiffness and posture-related tension.
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
TMJ treatment isn’t just what happens during a session. The habits you practice between visits often make the biggest difference.
We’ll give you a simple, practical routine you can use at your desk, in the car and before bed.
Learning to keep your teeth apart and your jaw relaxed during the day.
Controlled motion and coordination exercises to restore smooth opening.
Mobility and strength for the neck and upper back, which often reduces jaw tension.
What to Expect at Your First TMJ Visit
A full 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Joe. Treatment usually starts the same day.
Your history
When the jaw pain started, what aggravates it, clenching or grinding habits, and any dental history.
A jaw and neck exam
Jaw opening and movement, joint sounds, muscle tenderness, and neck and posture assessment.
Relief and a home plan
Hands-on treatment to ease tension, simple jaw exercises, and habit changes you can start right away.
How We Treat TMJ & Jaw Pain
Gentle, conservative care for the jaw and everything connected to it.
Soft Tissue Mobilization & Cupping
Hands-on soft tissue work to the jaw, face and neck muscles to ease tension and pain.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Can target tight, tender muscles in the neck and jaw region when appropriate.
Learn more →Spinal Manipulation & Mobilization
Gentle mobilization of the neck and upper back, which often feeds jaw tension.
Learn more →Mobility Programming
Jaw, neck and posture exercises to restore smooth, comfortable motion.
Learn more →Can physical therapy really help TMJ?
Yes. Conservative care, including exercise, manual therapy and education, is a recommended first-line approach for most jaw pain and TMD. Many people improve without invasive treatment.
Should I also see my dentist?
If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea. Dentists can assess your bite and whether a night guard makes sense. We’re happy to work alongside your dentist.
Do I need a referral for TMJ physical therapy?
Not to get started. Michigan is a direct access state, so you can see a physical therapist for up to 21 days or 10 visits without a referral.
Do you take insurance?
OLO is cash-based and out-of-network. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our FAQ.
When to see a physician first
Physical therapy is a great first stop for most jaw pain. But some symptoms need a medical evaluation right away. Seek urgent care or call 911 if you have:
- A jaw that is locked open or locked closed
- Jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating
- Facial swelling, fever or signs of a dental infection
- Numbness in the face or changes in vision or speech
- Jaw pain after a significant blow to the face
Not sure? Call us. If something in your evaluation doesn’t add up, Dr. Joe will tell you and point you to the right provider.
Related conditions we treat
Ready to Eat, Talk and Sleep Without Jaw Pain?
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll call or text to get you scheduled, or set up a free consultation if you’d like to talk it through first.
5.0 ★ from 184 Google reviews · No referral needed to start · HSA/FSA accepted