Why TMJ Pain Is on the Rise — And Why Physical Therapy Should Be Your First Step

What Is TMJ Pain?

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders—often shortened to TMD—affect the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. Symptoms can include:

• Jaw pain or tightness

• Clicking or popping when opening your mouth

• Headaches or earaches

• Difficulty chewing or speaking
  

With stress, poor posture, and long hours in front of screens becoming more common, TMJ pain is affecting more people than ever.

Why More People Are Experiencing TMJ Pain

We’re seeing a rise in TMJ-related complaints, especially among people who:

• Grind or clench their teeth (often unknowingly at night)

• Sit for long hours with poor posture at work or school

• Have recently undergone dental work or jaw trauma

• Are under increased stress or anxiety
  

It’s no surprise that the first solution many people consider is Botox injections, night guards, or even surgery. But there's a lesser-known, evidence-based approach that gets to the root of the problem: physical therapy.

Why Physical Therapy Deserves a First Look

Many people turn to injections or dental devices without realizing that TMJ pain often stems from muscular imbalances, postural dysfunctions, or tightness in the neck and jaw—all of which are treatable with physical therapy.

At Impact Physical Therapy, our treatment approach includes:

At Impact Physical Therapy, our treatment approach includes:

✅ Dry Needling

Dry needling is an effective treatment for TMJ, targeting tight muscles and trigger points in the jaw and neck. It can provide immediate relief for muscle stiffness and help reduce pain.

✅ Hands-On Manual Therapy

We release tight jaw, neck, and upper back muscles that may be contributing to your pain or limiting jaw motion.

✅ Postural Correction

Poor posture puts extra pressure on the TMJ. We'll assess your alignment and give you techniques to reduce daily strain—especially important if you work at a desk.

✅ Jaw and Neck Exercises

You'll learn custom exercises that retrain your jaw to move properly and reduce flare-ups over time.

✅ Stress-Relief Strategies

Because clenching and grinding are often linked to stress, we help identify triggers and offer practical ways to manage them.

A Non-Invasive, Whole-Body Solution

Physical therapy doesn’t just mask TMJ symptoms—it treats the underlying cause. Whether your pain comes on during stressful periods, after dental work, or with poor posture, PT helps restore balance and mobility naturally, without side effects.

Get Started with a Free Consultation

If you’ve been told to “just live with it” or you’re considering injections, come see us first. Many of our patients notice improvements in just a few sessions—and wish they had started sooner.

👉 Book a Free Consultation at Impact Physical Therapy