TMJ/TMD in Chino Hills

Do you suffer from headaches, grinding of your teeth, clicking of your jaw or even ear pain? These can all be signs of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). This is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury to the TMJ, which is the joint between your jaw and skull. The injured temporomandibular joint leads to pain with chewing, clicking, and popping of the jaw; swelling on the sides of the face; nerve inflammation; headaches; tooth grinding; and sometimes dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.

What causes TMJ syndrome?

Multiple factors contribute to muscle tightness and dysfunction that characterize this condition. Most often, poor posture and neck alignment change the pull of the muscles that make your jaw move. This causes painful grinding and irritation of the TMJ. Other causes may include:

  • Poor alignment of or trauma to the teeth or jaw
  • Teeth grinding
  • Poor posture
  • Stress
  • Arthritis or other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders
  • Excessive gum chewing

A lot can be done to help TMJ, first starting with a thorough evaluation of your problem with our expert physical therapists. Once the root cause of your problem has been discovered, a comprehensive plan can be developed to quickly relieve your pain and restore natural movement to your TMJ. Furthermore, our physical therapists will teach you techniques for regaining normal jaw movement for long-lasting results.

What happens during a TMD physical therapy evaluation in Chino Hills?

Initial evaluation will take place on your first visit to a PT with TMD/TMJ. The PT will discuss your condition and ask questions about your jaw pain. Your eating habits and any other activities that could cause irritation to your jaw will also be discussed. The PT may also ask you about any previous treatment for TMJ/TMD pain. During the PT evaluation, you may also need to have several tests done in order to determine a baseline measurement.

A PT evaluation could include the following components:

  • Measuring the neck and jaw range of motion
  • Evaluation of the jaw structures
  • Listening to clicks and clicks in a joint environment
  • This is the measurement of strength in the jaw and postural muscles
  • Assessing your posture

After your evaluation is completed, your physical therapist will talk with you about the results, create a plan for care, and work with you to set goals for your therapy.

What to Avoid

There are some things that you should avoid if you have TMD.

  • Use your teeth as tools
  • Nervous chewing
  • Hard, chewy or crunchy food
  • Poor posture
  • You should sleep on your stomach
  • Teeth grinding
  • Stress

What can physical therapy do to help TMD?

TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw. TMD can be treated with physical therapy. A TMD certified physical therapist can diagnose the root cause of your pain, and help improve your jaw movement.

Non-invasive treatments are used by physical therapists to reduce pain and restore natural movement in your jaw.

TMD evaluations and treatment are a specialty of Empower physical therapists. Please schedule an appointment at one of our many valley-wide locations to get a TMD assessment. A personalized care plan with a variety of treatment options can also be created for you. TMD can be effectively managed with physical therapy, even if the symptoms are severe and long-lasting.

See Our TMD Specialists in Chino Hills

The focus of physical therapy for TMJ is relaxation, stretching, and releasing tight muscles and scar tissue. In most cases, physical therapy can resolve TMJ and prevent the need for surgery. However, in cases where surgery is absolutely necessary, physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process, as it helps minimize scar tissue formation, muscle tightness and allows for a complete recovery. For more information, Contact us today.

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Kangna G


“Dr. Carlo and Empower Physical Therapy is the best. They are all so friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. I’ve been suffering from back pain for over 10 years and had 2 back surgeries in between that time. I have been to a few physical therapists and no one has come close to what Dr. Carlo and his team offers. After my second back surgery 2 years ago I came to Empower with fear. Fear that I can no longer do the activities I use to do with my 3 young kids and that I had to accept that back pain will be with me the rest of my life. However Dr. Carlo has build my strength, my confidence and gave me enough skills to overcome all that. I have never felt stronger, felt this long term pain relief in my back in so long and the best part is I am living my best life with my kids. I now no longer need pain medication because all I need to do is go see Dr. Carlo. I’m currently on a maintenance program and highly recommend it, it is truly the best preventative measure I can do for back. Go see Dr. Carlo and his team, you won’t be disappointed. They have become part of my family over the years.”

Pat L.

“What can I say about Dr. Carlo?!!! He is truly amazing at what he does! I was experiencing lower back pain, more of a dull constant achy feeling for more than 18 months. Finally decided to seek physical therapy for my issue. Through my initial consultation with Dr. Carlo and talking about some of my previous injuries and observed biomechanics, he was able to determine the root cause of my low back pain and within TWO visits, my pain is 80% GONE!!! I can’t begin to describe the enormous sense of relief and joy I feel now, being able to get back to “normal” activities without that constant nagging ache!

Thank you Dr. Carlo! I’m eager to continue my treatment for my low back pain and wouldn’t hesitate to seek him for his wisdom and knowledge to getting me back to feeling normal!!!”