What is tmj therapy?
TMJ physical therapy treats the joint, muscles, and movement patterns that drive jaw pain, clicking, and limited opening. The temporomandibular joint connects to the neck, posture, and breathing in ways most people never realize, and effective treatment usually addresses all of it. We work directly with you (and, when relevant, with your dentist) to settle pain and restore normal jaw function.
Common conditions we treat
- Jaw pain (one-sided or both-sided)
- Clicking or popping when opening or chewing
- Limited jaw opening (trismus)
- Lockjaw — open or closed lock
- Headaches from jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Ear pain or fullness without an ENT cause
- Neck pain that's connected to jaw symptoms
- TMJ symptoms after dental work or orthodontics
What to expect
- Evaluation of the jaw, neck, and posture — TMJ rarely exists in isolation
- Hands-on manual therapy of the jaw, soft palate, neck, and upper back
- Dry needling for muscle tension when indicated (chewing muscles, neck, upper traps)
- Movement re-training: tongue posture, breathing, and jaw mechanics
- Coordination with your dentist or orthodontist if you're working with one
Insurance and payment
We accept most major insurance plans:
- Medicare
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Tricare
- Self-pay
Call (202) 964-0323 or use the contact form and we'll verify your benefits before your first visit.