Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD)
A jaw that clicks or catches when you chew or talk, aches by the end of the day, and sometimes brings ear pain or headaches with it.
What it is
TMJD usually involves the muscles that control the jaw joint, not just the joint itself, and the head and neck muscles around it are often involved too. When those muscles are overworked or guarding, they can limit how your jaw moves and refer pain into the face, ear, and head.
What makes it worse
Clenching, grinding, chewing gum, wide yawning, ongoing stress, and long dental visits all tend to aggravate it. Many people notice the jaw is tighter and sorer during stressful weeks or after a lot of talking or chewing.
How PNMT helps
Your therapist checks how your jaw opens and where it clicks, then works precisely on the jaw muscles and the connected head, neck, and shoulder muscles, guided by your feedback. This includes careful work inside the mouth with vinyl gloves. The team trains in TMJD under Sarah Lashley, who teaches PNMT's TMJ Intensive, so jaw work is a particular focus here. If the cause looks non-muscular, your therapist will say so and refer you on.
What to expect & how long
The TMJD New Client session runs about 60 minutes, so there's time to assess and treat thoroughly. Jaws usually improve gradually, so plan on a course of visits. How many depends on how your jaw responds along the way. The work inside the mouth is slow and precise, and your feedback guides it throughout.
What clients say
Sarah helped me greatly with tightness in my jaw, head, and neck resulting in tension headaches and migraines. I barely get headaches now with her treatment. I can't thank her enough!
Sarah is amazing! She is both kind and great at helping to resolve chronic pain. My TMJ has improved so much with her care.
Ty helped me so much on my first visit with my TMJ. My normal doctors couldn't figure out the best solution for it, nor my dentist, so decided to try Somavida out. It is worth every penny. They made it a personalized and comfortable experience.
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Get help for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD)
Book a New Client Session. Your therapists will find the source of your pain and build a treatment plan for you.
60-minute first visit. Two therapists assess and one treats. Every follow-up is one-on-one with your therapist.
The whole Somavida team stands behind your treatment plan.