TMJ Treatment

TMJ issues can be sneaky. One day you’re just waking up with a little tightness. Then it turns into jaw clicking, tension headaches, ear pain, or not being able to open your mouth without discomfort.

And suddenly something as simple as chewing, talking, or yawning becomes... complicated.

TMJ and Jaw Pain treatments at Athletic Edge Physical Therapy in San Diego

What Is TMJ Disorder (TMD)?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s one of the most complex joints in your body, and when something’s off, you’ll feel it — sometimes in ways you don’t expect.

TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) refers to pain, irritation, or poor mechanics in that joint and the surrounding muscles. It often presents with:

  • Jaw pain or tightness

  • Clicking, locking, or popping when opening or closing the mouth

  • Tension headaches or migraines

  • Pain around the ears, cheekbones, or neck

  • Difficulty chewing or talking

  • Clenching or grinding (bruxism)

  • Neck, shoulder, or upper back tension

If you’ve been told “It’s probably stress,” you’re not wrong — but there’s more to it. And that means there's more we can do to actually help.

How We Treat TMJ at AEPT

Unlike many clinics, we don’t just treat the jaw in isolation — we treat the whole system. TMJ issues are rarely just about the joint. Your neck, posture, breathing, nervous system, and habits all play a role. So we address them all — thoughtfully and strategically.

Here’s what your care might include:

  • Hands-on soft tissue work for the jaw, neck, and upper back

  • Manual therapy to reduce tension and restore normal joint mechanics

  • TMJ joint mobilization and muscle retraining

  • Postural and cervical spine alignment techniques

  • Nervous system regulation (especially helpful for clenching/grinding)

  • Home strategies for breaking pain loops and habits

  • Breathing and jaw relaxation retraining

San Diego physical therapist performing TMJ manual therapy on patient at Athletic Edge PT.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first session will focus on understanding your symptoms, history, and goals.

We’ll take a full-body approach to your evaluation, which may include:

  • Detailed conversation about your symptoms and triggers

  • Functional testing of your jaw, neck, and shoulder mechanics

  • Hands-on assessment of jaw and cervical muscle tension

  • Education about what’s happening and why

  • A clear, collaborative treatment plan

Whether your symptoms are new or have been lingering for years, we’ll meet you where you’re at.

Who TMJ Treatment Is For

TMJ physical therapy can help if you’re:

  • Clenching or grinding, especially at night

  • Experiencing jaw clicking, locking, or pain

  • Dealing with tension headaches or ear pressure

  • Recovering from dental surgery or orthodontic changes

  • Living with chronic neck and upper back tension

  • Tired of trying splints, injections, or meds that haven’t worked

You don’t need a referral to start care — and yes, you can absolutely do TMJ therapy alongside dental or other medical treatments.