O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness - FAQs
Jaw Pain, Headaches, or Clenching? We Can Help.
If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, popping, headaches, or ear discomfort, you may be experiencing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD). At O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to TMJ care—focused not just on symptom relief, but on long-term healing.
Common TMJ/TMD Symptoms
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Jaw pain, stiffness, or fatigue
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Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
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Headaches or tension in the temples
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Tooth pain without a dental cause
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Earaches or ringing in the ears
Possible Contributing Factors
We dig deeper to uncover the why behind your symptoms—identifying lifestyle habits, postural issues, or past trauma that may be contributing.
You may be more likely to develop TMJ dysfunction if you:
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Have a history of dental work or orthodontic treatments
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Use a CPAP machine or oral appliances
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Clench or grind your teeth (especially during sleep)
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Engage in repetitive oral habits:
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Nail or cheek biting
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Frequent gum chewing
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Speaking for extended periods or loudly
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Use a night guard or retainer
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Have had surgery or trauma involving the head, neck, or jaw (e.g., tonsillectomy, wisdom teeth removal)
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Have a history of concussions or head injuries
What to Expect During Treatment
Our TMJ treatment is rooted in a three-phase care model designed to create lasting relief—not just temporary fixes.
Phase 1: Calm Your Symptoms
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Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension
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Lifestyle and oral habit modification
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Modalities such as ultrasound, dry needling, cupping, or IASTM
Phase 2: Restore Pain-Free Mobility
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Improve jaw movement and alignment
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Enhance symmetrical muscle stability
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Address postural and neuromuscular imbalances
Phase 3: Return to Normal Function
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Support your return to a normal diet and full function
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Build resilience to prevent recurrence
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Provide tools for long-term self-care
A Whole-Body Approach to Jaw Health
TMJ issues don’t exist in isolation. That’s why our team examines not only the jaw but the entire head, neck, and posture—offering truly integrative care to reduce pain, improve function, and help you feel like yourself again.
Request an Appointment
Please fill out this form and we will contact you about scheduling.
Scott Stine
“Everyone there is extremely knowledgable and skilled I have had great results every time I have had any need to use their services. Dr. O’Brien and her staff have also always been joyful and kind which makes going there actually enjoyable. 100% recommend using their services.”
Deidre Kruser
“I highly recommend Jill for PT. I originally came to her for help with jaw pain. The dry needling that she did was very effective. I’ve recommended Jill to many friends. She is very caring and takes a comprehensive view of care. Her work is exceptional and she is incredibly knowledgeable. My entire family has worked with Jill for issues such as shoulder and back pain, tennis elbow, TMJ pain, and more.”