VIEW OUR TMJ PHYSICAL THERAPY LOCATIONS HERE: Raleigh, Durham & Fuquay Varina

Miller Concierge Physical Therapy

+1 984-322-1940

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  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Leigh Miller
    • Meet the Team
    • What sets us apart
    • News and Events
  • Understanding TMJD
    • TMJ vs TMJD
    • Can PT help TMJ?
    • Symptoms
    • TMJ Exercises
    • Fun Facts
  • For Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Consultation
    • Laser Therapy Treatment
    • Treatment Options
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    • Testimonials
  • For Dentists
    • Laser Therapy
    • Dental Referring Partners
    • Dentists' Awareness on PT
    • Common TMJ Symptoms
  • Locations
    • Durham Office
    • Raleigh Office
    • Fuquay Varina Office
  • Amazon Storefront
  • TMJ Yoga with Dr. Emily
  • Refer A Friend
  • Review Us
  • Book US
    • TMJD Speaking Engagement
    • TMJ Seminar
  • BLOGS
  • More
    • Home Page
    • About Us
      • Meet Dr. Leigh Miller
      • Meet the Team
      • What sets us apart
      • News and Events
    • Understanding TMJD
      • TMJ vs TMJD
      • Can PT help TMJ?
      • Symptoms
      • TMJ Exercises
      • Fun Facts
    • For Patients
      • Patient Portal
      • Consultation
      • Laser Therapy Treatment
      • Treatment Options
      • Financial Information
      • Testimonials
    • For Dentists
      • Laser Therapy
      • Dental Referring Partners
      • Dentists' Awareness on PT
      • Common TMJ Symptoms
    • Locations
      • Durham Office
      • Raleigh Office
      • Fuquay Varina Office
    • Amazon Storefront
    • TMJ Yoga with Dr. Emily
    • Refer A Friend
    • Review Us
    • Book US
      • TMJD Speaking Engagement
      • TMJ Seminar
    • BLOGS

+1 984-322-1940

Miller Concierge Physical Therapy
  • Home Page
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Leigh Miller
    • Meet the Team
    • What sets us apart
    • News and Events
  • Understanding TMJD
    • TMJ vs TMJD
    • Can PT help TMJ?
    • Symptoms
    • TMJ Exercises
    • Fun Facts
  • For Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Consultation
    • Laser Therapy Treatment
    • Treatment Options
    • Financial Information
    • Testimonials
  • For Dentists
    • Laser Therapy
    • Dental Referring Partners
    • Dentists' Awareness on PT
    • Common TMJ Symptoms
  • Locations
    • Durham Office
    • Raleigh Office
    • Fuquay Varina Office
  • Amazon Storefront
  • TMJ Yoga with Dr. Emily
  • Refer A Friend
  • Review Us
  • Book US
    • TMJD Speaking Engagement
    • TMJ Seminar
  • BLOGS

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

TMJ / JAW PAIN

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. We have two of them, one on either side of our jaw. These joints are the hinge points that move when we open and close our mouths. You can feel the movement by putting the tip of your index fingers just in front of your ears, and then opening and closing your mouth. This blog is here to help you determine how do I know if I have TMJ?


Over the last decade, there has been more recognition regarding the pain and social impact that can occur with dysfunction at these joints. Even more so in the past two years with the introduction of mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medically, we call this “TMD” which stands for temporomandibular dysfunction. You might find yourself with new-onset or worsening jaw pain and may be wondering if you have TMD. The following is a checklist of things to consider when trying to determine if you should seek treatment for TMD.


  1. You have pain in your jaw, face, or head when you eat or chew food and may find yourself actively avoiding certain foods.
  2. You have pain in your jaw, face, or head and feel like you have a limit to how much you can talk or even smile.
  3. You have pain, cracking, popping, or grinding in your jaw joints when you open and close your mouth.
  4. You have limited mouth opening and may find you can’t eat larger foods like a hamburger, apple, or, in severe cases, open enough for proper oral care.
  5. You find yourself unable to concentrate or sleep due to jaw, face, or head pain.
  6. You get frequent headaches-this may be a separate or related issue to TMD, but these typically are found together

How can Physical Therapy help?

The TMJ can benefit significantly from properly prescribed exercise and manual therapy techniques. Like any joint in the body, the TMJ can display poor movement patterns, tight musculature, and poor joint mobility. Your physical therapist can help through techniques such as joint mobilization, massage therapy, dry needling, and therapeutic exercise to help reduce your symptoms. Alongside treatment explicitly geared for your TMJ, your physical therapist would also look at the mechanics of neck and upper back, since these areas can correlate with the function of your jaw. 

See a therapist to find relief now!

Don't be afraid to reach out for TMJ help. You deserve relief from jaw pain, and our expert therapists can help you find effective solutions. Contact us today!

Consult now!
  • Home Page
  • Can PT help TMJ?
  • Symptoms
  • TMJ Exercises
  • Patient Portal
  • Consultation
  • Laser Therapy Treatment
  • Treatment Options
  • Financial Information
  • Laser Therapy
  • Dentists' Awareness on PT
  • Common TMJ Symptoms
  • Durham Office
  • Raleigh Office
  • Fuquay Varina Office
  • Amazon Storefront
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Earache
  • Ringing Ear
  • Jaw Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • BLOGS

MILLER CONCIERGE PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC

1622 East Highway 54, Durham, North Carolina 27713, United States

+1 984-322-1940

COPYRIGHT © MILLER CONCIERGE PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



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