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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where your lower jaw (the mandible) articulates with your skull (the temporal bone). It is located just in front of your ear. You have two TMJ joints, one on each side of the face. They work together in sync to allow you to open and close your mouth for eating, talking, yawning and mouth breathing.

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While the TMJ can endure more than 250lbs of joint loading, it is highly susceptible to dysfunction. In fact, up to 12% (38 million) of the general population experience TMJ symptoms. This ranks second only to low back pain, as the most prevalent musculoskeletal problem in the United States — with the peak prevalence among people between 35 to 45 years old.

While these symptoms are common, they are not normal and could be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). If this sounds like you, click here to get help now.

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TMJ Disorder (TMJD)

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Mastication muscles attach to the jaw to allow the joint to open, close, and move forward, back and side to side. These movements start the digestion process, as they allow you to manipulate, chomp and shred your food.

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Many physical events (injury, dental work, poor posture, bruxism, etc.) can disrupt how your TMJ works. Although the muscles surrounding it are very strong, the repetitive abnormal stress on the joint can lead to pain and damage. There is also a disc that separates the top and bottom of the joint, called the temporomandibular joint disc. The TMJ disc moves as your jaw moves, but it can sometimes shift too far and cause your jaw to click and pop, to lock open, or to limit mouth opening.

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Eventually, due to the proximity of the TMJ joint to your ear and neck, the condition can often spread out to other areas, such as the muscles that regulate your inner ear, the muscles that help you swallow, and the muscles that move and support your head. It can even hinder your brain’s capacity to switch on the right muscles, at the right time, and with the right amount of strength. Known as neuromuscular deactivation, this process tends to pull you out of balance and into a vicious cycle of pain, weakness, and dysfunction.

How can Activcore help?

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TMJD is typically not a big part of a physical therapist’s education. It is a specialization requiring much further study, training and practice following graduation.

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Activcore physical therapists are uniquely qualified to assess and treat TMJD. They go beyond the jaw and look at the whole body. Equipped with the Redcord suspension system, they are specially trained to optimize how your mind and muscles work together so that you can regain control of your body.

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You’re never just a number at Activcore. You will have your own dedicated TMJD physical therapist by your side throughout every session for the fastest results possible.

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• Resolve jaw pain and facial pain
• Reduce headaches and neck stiffness
• Reduce dizziness and ringing in ears
• Regain normal joint range of motion
• Build muscle strength and postural control
• Restore jaw function for eating/chewing/talking

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In a private office setting, your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive physical exam and movement screen to help determine the underlying root cause of your health condition. Together, you and your provider will then develop and commit to a plan of care tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals.

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You will feel the Activcore difference from your first visit. This is a highly personalized experience applying the latest breakthrough techniques, such as neuromuscular activation, postural muscle retraining, trigger point dry needling, and myofascial release. You will also receive a home exercise program customized just for you.