Consider a Career with NW Sports! From part-time positions to sign-on bonuses, we could be exactly what you’re looking for!

Available Positions

Physical Therapy for TMJ

TMJ pain can limit the normal function of the jaw. Our physical therapy for TMJ program is designed to provide relief from jaw pain and discomfort.

Request Appointment

Learn more about TMJ (TMD)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) refers to a painful dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Responsible for opening and closing your jaw, the TMJ consists of the upper temporal bone connected to your skull and the mandible, or lower jawbone.

Symptoms of TMD

  • Pain/inflammation around the temporomandibular joint
  • Headaches
  • Limited range of motion or locking of the jaw
  • Stiffness of the jaw muscles
  • Pain that radiates into the face and neck
  • Popping or clicking noise when opening or closing mouth

 

Causes of TMJ Pain

The exact cause of temporomandibular pain is often unknown.  However, several contributing factors could include:

  • Occlusal abnormalities (upper and lower teeth touching)
  • Orthodontic treatments
  • Poor health and nutrition
  • Inflammation, arthritis, trauma to the joint
  • Joint laxity
  • Muscle tightness or trigger points
  • Cervical or thoracic pain
  • Psychosocial factors such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression or pain

How We Treat TMD

A physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation and will create a customized program to address your needs.  Treatment may include:

  • Flexibility and postural strengthening
  • Relaxation and self-management techniques
  • Skilled mobilization
  • Therapeutic use of ice/heat, ultrasound, iontophoresis and electrical stimulation

 

 

*Services are not available at all locations. Call or click the location page near you for that center’s services.

What to Expect

Every patient has a unique health history, diagnosis and personal goals.  When you come for your first appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.

We work with most major insurance providers and do our best to help keep the paperwork pain-free.  If you’d like to confirm your insurance coverage, please let us know and we can verify when you schedule.  If your insurance provider requires a co-pay, we will ask for this payment at each visit.  We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.

When to arrive for physical therapy

When to Arrive

On average, a patient’s first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes.

What to Bring for Physical Therapy

What to Bring

On your first visit, you’ll need to bring your physician referral or prescription (if needed), your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver’s license and your co-payment (as applicable). If desired, you may bring a change of clothing.

How Physical Therapy Works

How it Works

During your first visit, your physical therapist will do an initial evaluation and discuss your plan of care.  The therapist uses this information to set goals for your continued treatment.  Physical therapy goals may include improved movement, strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as decreased pain.  Your subsequent visits will focus on treatment that is based on your diagnosis and individualized goals.

Autumn's Story

A graduation walk to remember.

Wearing high heels at Owasso High School’s May 22 graduation, Autumn Rosenthal climbed stairs and crossed the stage to receive her diploma. It appeared to be an unexceptional act, but not to someone familiar with her remarkable story. It’s a story that for Madison Nightengale, PT at Summit Owasso, began on Dec. 13 when Autumn […]

Read More

Ralph's Story

After rehabbing from a biceps rupture, a firefighter’s passion burns on.

For all the risks you might associate with decades as a firefighter, it was a seemingly innocuous incident at shift change in his Arlington, Va., fire house that put Ralph Parsons’ career in jeopardy. Two days after Christmas in 2016, Parsons was performing his normal morning checks. As he attempted to climb into a parked […]

Read More

Josh's Story

From major shoulder surgery to American Ninja Warrior in less than 1 year.

As a successful obstacle course racer, including an appearance on the TV series “American Ninja Warrior,” Josh March is a pretty tough guy despite his modest stature. All that climbing, grabbing, swinging – sometimes competing for hours on end – requires strength of body and mind. He also has spent more than a decade in […]

Read More