Anatomy & Nature of Pain
The TMJ is a hinge and gliding joint, which exists on both sides of your head, next to your ear.  It connects your lower jaw bone to your skull and is what is involved in any opening or closing of your mouth.  A disc of cartilage between your skull and lower jawbone acts as a cushion for stress and to allow the lower jaw bone to move easily. Due to the amount of talking, eating and drinking humans do, the TMJ is actually the most commonly used joint in the body.

Injury and conditions that affect other joints in the body can also cause pain and irritation of the TMJ.  Arthritis, injuries to the jaw, overstretching, grinding, poor neck posture and muscular weakness in the neck can cause issues in the TMJ. While stress and repeated actions of your arms are not direct causes of the disorder, it can lead to having an issue with the TMJ.

TMJ at St. Louis Physical Therapy
A lesser known, but very effective option of treating TMJ pain is physical therapy. Most patients with this condition are told that surgery is their only way of getting rid of their pain. While surgery can help in extreme cases, St. Louis Physical Therapy has found that therapy can be a way to avoid surgery and get better at the same time.

At STLPT, each TMJ patient will receive a thorough evaluation by their therapist and a goal-orientated plan, which is developed with the patient. Treatments at STLPT typically consist of soft tissue massage or joint mobilization, which will help with the range of motion of the jaw. Often, moist heat or ultrasound is used to help control pain. Patients are also given therapeutic exercises that are specifically designed for them and their condition. Lastly, and more importantly, the physical therapist will educate the patient in regards to posture, stress management and foods to eat. 

At St. Louis Physical Therapy, patients can be reassured they are getting the best and most effective treatment possible. Each therapist at STLPT treating TMJ pain has a manual therapy background and education specific to this joint. Therefore, they have the knowledge and experience that will get patients better, faster.