Since 1984, Kim Lawler-Coyle, PT, DPT, has specialized in TMJ therapy in Orange County as part of comprehensive physical therapy care. Drawing on more than four decades of clinical experience, she provides individualized treatment for patients with temporomandibular disorders and related musculoskeletal impairments.
Temporomandibular disorders may contribute to jaw pain, headaches, facial discomfort, neck pain, shoulder pain, and limitations in jaw movement. Therefore, every patient receives a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation to determine the factors contributing to their symptoms and functional limitations.
Over the years, physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals have referred patients to Focus On Health for TMJ therapy and specialized physical therapy. These referrals reflect Kim’s extensive clinical experience and collaborative approach to patient care within the scope of physical therapy.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone at the side of the head. When you place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can easily feel these joints. Notably, the jaw moves up and down as well as side to side because these joints are flexible. This flexibility allows us to perform essential actions such as talking, chewing, and yawning.
Furthermore, muscles attached to and surrounding the jaw joint play a crucial role in controlling its position and movement.
When we open our mouths, the rounded ends of the lower jaw glide smoothly along the joint socket of the temporal bone. Importantly, when we close our mouths, the condyles slide back to their original position. To ensure this motion remains smooth, a soft disc sits between the condyle and the temporal bone. This disc absorbs shocks to the jaw joint from activities like chewing and other movements, thereby protecting the joint.
Moreover, the temporomandibular joint stands out from other joints in the body. The combination of hinge and sliding motions makes this joint particularly complex. Additionally, the tissue that forms the temporomandibular joint differs significantly from the tissues found in joints like the knee or hip. As a result, both patients and healthcare providers may face challenges when addressing jaw joint issues.
What Are TMJ Disorders?
Disorders of the jaw joint and chewing muscles, as well as how people respond to them, vary. Researchers generally agree that the conditions fall into three main categories:
- Myofascial pain involves discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function
- Internal derangement involves a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle
- Degenerative or inflammatory joint disorders can affect the temporomandibular joint
Individuals may experience one or more of these conditions simultaneously. In fact, health problems often coexist with TMJ disorders, including chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbances, and fibromyalgia. Notably, these disorders share common symptoms, which suggests that they may have similar underlying mechanisms of disease.
Moreover, rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis, can also affect the temporomandibular joint. This group of disorders causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness, highlighting the connection between these conditions. Both arthritis and some TMJ disorders involve inflammation of the joint tissues, but the exact relationship between them remains unclear.
Understanding how jaw joint and muscle disorders progress is challenging. Symptoms can worsen or ease over time; however, most individuals experience mild forms of the disorder. Fortunately, their symptoms often improve or disappear within weeks or months. On the other hand, some individuals may face long-term, persistent, and debilitating pain.
What May Contribute to TMJ Disorders?
Trauma to the jaw or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can contribute to some temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, in many cases, researchers have not identified a specific cause for jaw joint and muscle problems. These conditions are more common in women than in men. Consequently, researchers continue to investigate why this occurs, including the possible roles of hormones, joint mechanics, genetics, and pain processing.
Furthermore, many individuals notice that their symptoms develop without any clear reason. Research also indicates that neither a bad bite nor orthodontic braces causes temporomandibular disorders.
Additionally, jaw sounds, such as clicking or popping, are common in the general population. Current scientific evidence indicates that jaw sounds alone do not necessarily lead to serious problems. Therefore, if someone experiences jaw noises without pain, jaw locking, or limited movement, it does not necessarily indicate a temporomandibular disorder and may not require treatment.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of TMJ?
Many symptoms characterize TMJ disorders. The most common symptom is pain, especially in the chewing muscles and jaw joint. Additionally, other likely symptoms include:
- Radiating pain in the face, jaw, or neck
- Jaw muscle stiffness
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
Physical Therapy Evaluation for TMJ Problems
Temporomandibular disorders may be diagnosed by a physician, dentist, or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. At Focus On Health, our physical therapy evaluation focuses on the physical impairments and functional limitations associated with jaw pain and dysfunction.
The evaluation may include assessment of jaw movement, muscle and soft-tissue mobility, cervical mobility, posture, pain, and functional limitations. These findings help determine whether physical therapy is appropriate and which treatment strategies may be relevant to the individual patient.
When appropriate, we work collaboratively with physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care. Medical or dental evaluation or imaging may also be recommended when symptoms indicate the need for assessment beyond the scope of physical therapy.
A Conservative Approach to TMJ Therapy in Orange County
Conservative, non-invasive approaches are often appropriate options for temporomandibular disorders. At Focus On Health, physical therapy care may include advanced hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, and patient education, with treatment directed toward pain, jaw mobility, movement, and function.
Our individualized approach is based on the patient’s physical therapy evaluation, clinical findings, functional limitations, and response to treatment.
Next Steps Toward TMJ Therapy in Orange County
If jaw pain, facial discomfort, headaches, or limited jaw movement are affecting your daily activities, Focus On Health is here to help. For more than 37 years, we have provided individualized TMJ therapy in Orange County using advanced manual therapy and conventional physical therapy.
Schedule a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation to determine whether TMJ therapy is appropriate for your condition. We will develop an individualized plan of care designed to help reduce pain, improve jaw function, restore movement, and support your long-term rehabilitation goals.
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