Jaw Physical Therapy – Temporomandibular Joint
According to recent studies, nearly 30% of the population in industrialized countries will experience a temporomandibular joint disorder at some point in their lives (Alqutaibi et al., 2025). Whether it’s pain in the mouth, joint noises, or difficulty opening the mouth, the jaw is used very frequently throughout the day. In fact, whether speaking or eating, the joint is constantly working, and proper mechanics are essential to prevent pain.
Muscle and Orofacial Pain
Several conditions can affect the joint and prevent it from functioning properly. First, there is muscle and orofacial pain. This pain is debilitating, often intermittent, and associated with activities of daily living. For example, eating can become a difficult task when chewing food causes pain. In cases of muscle tension, the physical therapist’s role is to assess which muscles are tense in order to perform relaxation techniques, sometimes inside or outside the mouth. Muscle tension may also be present away from the mouth but still affect movement. Postural muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid or the suboccipital muscles can alter cervical-cranial balance and affect mandibular movement. It is therefore essential to fully understand muscle mechanics in order to properly address and resolve the problem. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find that jaw muscles are linked to headaches. Most muscles can cause referred pain in various areas of the skull or face.
Understanding Joint Noises and Disc Problems
Next, there is a clicking joint noise that is often, but not always, associated with a disc problem. The disc is “stuck” and when the mouth opens, the lower jaw temporarily rides over the disc. This phenomenon is called “disc reduction” and is often associated with joint noises when opening and closing the mouth. At this stage, there is little or no pain, but it indicates that an underlying mechanical problem is present. Eventually, the mandible may no longer be able to ride on the disc. In this case, the disc dislocation is termed “irreducible”, and the underlying symptoms are pain and limited mouth opening. In both cases, it is possible to help restore function through various treatment methods. The primary short-term goals will be to restore mouth opening and reduce pain.
Hypermobility, Hypomobility, and Degeneration
It is also common to encounter joint hypermobility or hypomobility, which can cause pain in the temporomandibular joint. These conditions may result from trauma and lead to dysfunction in the quality of opening and closing movements, causing pain. These traumas may be accidental in origin, such as following oral surgery at the dentist’s office or a car accident, for example. Conversely, the temporomandibular joint is prone to degeneration, just like any other joint. Thus, joint fibrosis could limit movement and also cause pain in the joint. Depending on the condition, strengthening or muscle control exercises may be appropriate. Alternatively, mobilization techniques can also restore mobility to the joint.
The Role of the Physical Therapist in Treating Jaw Issues
It is also important to note that a physical therapist can treat all of these injuries. Their role is to identify the source of the pain, whether it is muscular, joint-related, or disc-related. The pain does not need to be present during the initial consultation. The physical therapist can help with joint noises to prevent the problem from worsening. To reduce pain, the physical therapist may mobilize the joint to relax the muscles, thereby improving mouth opening and oral function. It is also highly recommended to consult with your dentist to rule out dental causes prior to the physical therapy consultation. Indeed, the physical therapist cannot treat a cavity that might mimic musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, collaboration between the two professionals accelerates treatment and helps reduce the duration of the pain. They are also the first professional people think of when pain near the mouth occurs. Furthermore, during annual dental checkups, they are often the first to become aware of orofacial difficulties or pain experienced by patients.
Early Intervention for a Better Recovery
Finally, it is important to remember that the earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis. Do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to receive treatment tailored to your condition.