FREE 30-MINUTE VIRTUAL DISCOVERY CALL

TMJology strives to offer a range of options to address the needs of as many patients as possible. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to review your symptoms. Together, we’ll determine the program that best fits your needs. This initial consultation can be completed by phone or Zoom.

90-MINUTE VIRTUAL NEUROMUSCULAR TMJ & JAW EVALUATION 

Included in the Evaluation:

1.Comprehensive Health History & Fascial System Review
• Client Intake: Gather a full history of:
   *Dental work (orthodontics, surgeries, appliances)
   *History of jaw trauma, clenching/grinding, facial injuries     *Symptoms such as jaw pain, neck pain, tension headaches Sleep quality, breathing patterns, and chronic oral habits (e.g., nail biting, mouth breathing, gum chewing)
• Fascial Considerations: Educate on how restrictions in the fascial system, especially through the neck, jaw, and head can influence posture, muscular tension, and jaw mobility.

2. TMJ Anatomy & Functional Overview: Review the structure and motion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including:
• Key structures: Mandibular condyle, articular disc, temporal bone
• Involved musculature: Masseter, temporalis, medial/lateral pterygoids, digastric, suprahyoid group, platysma
• Movement patterns: Observe and assess opening/closing, lateral movement, and protrusion. Note quality, smoothness, and presence of deviation or asymmetry.

3. Neuromuscular Influences on TMJ Function: Identify muscular habits and patterns that may contribute to dysfunction:
• Low or forward tongue posture Open-mouth rest posture or lip incompetence.
• Chronic overuse of accessory muscles (e.g., SCM, mentalis, platysma)
• Muscle tension patterns originating from neck and upper thoracic structures.
• Evidence of tethered or restricted soft tissue affecting mobility (to be referred out for further evaluation if needed)

4. Range of Motion & Muscle Assessment
• Measure Functional ROM:
   *Track measurements of: Mouth opening (comfortable vs. max).
   *Lateral excursion (side to side)
   *Jaw protrusion
•Muscle Mapping:
Note any:
   *Trigger points or tenderness
   *Restrictions or hypertonicity
   *Imbalance between sides

5. Review of Treatment Plan & Home Education
• Manual Therapy Objectives:
   *Reduce muscular hypertonicity
   *Improve fascial glide and circulation
   *Restore neuromuscular coordination of jaw movements
• Therapist-Guided Home Program May Include:
   *Self-massage techniques for jaw and neck.
   *Postural awareness (jaw rest position, relaxed tongue position).
   *Gentle breathing retraining (nasal, diaphragmatic focus).
   *Movement-based cues to discourage clenching and bracing patterns.
• Review of cost for recommended treatment plan.
• Collaboration & Referral Network: When appropriate, coordinate with dentists, ENTs, bodyworkers, or other professionals for integrated care (e.g., orthodontic support, airway concerns, speech language pathologist, etc.)

NEUROMUSCULAR RE-EDUCATION THERAPY

This therapy focuses on improving the function, awareness, and coordination of the muscles in the face, mouth, and jaw through gentle manual techniques and guided movement. The primary goals of this therapy include:

1. Optimize Tongue Posture: Encouraging proper tongue resting posture (typically against the roof of the mouth) supports balanced muscle tone and function in the oral and facial structures, which can influence breathing, swallowing, and tension patterns.

2. Promote Functional Breathing Awareness: Therapy can help bring awareness to breathing habits and encourage a shift toward nasal breathing, which supports relaxation of oral muscles and overall nervous system regulation.

3. Enhance Lip Function and Tone: Gentle work around the lips and cheeks, along with functional movement guidance, can improve resting posture and reduce overuse or compensation patterns in facial muscles.

4. Support Efficient Swallowing Mechanics: Through neuromuscular re-education and soft tissue work, the therapy may help reduce compensatory tension patterns that interfere with coordinated swallowing movements.

Additional Benefits of Neuromuscular Movement Therapy may include:
• Improved Muscle Awareness and Coordination: Clients may notice improved ease in movements involving speaking, eating, or facial expressions due to better muscle tone and reduced restriction.
• Better Postural Support: Because the jaw and facial muscles are linked to the neck, shoulders, and spine, releasing tension in these areas can support improved posture and alignment.
• Relief from TMJ Pain and Tension: Manual therapy techniques can help reduce pain, clicking, or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint by addressing muscular imbalances and reducing trigger points.
• Support During Orthodontic or Surgical Recovery: While not a replacement for dental or medical care, massage therapy can aid in muscle relaxation, circulation, and tissue healing following procedures like tongue-tie release or orthodontic adjustment.
• Enhanced Relaxation and Nervous System Regulation: Because many clients hold chronic tension in the jaw and face, targeted manual therapy can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation.
• Facial Muscle Balance and Tone: Gentle massage and movement techniques can support symmetry, muscle coordination, and circulation in the face, leading to a more relaxed and balanced appearance.
• Reduced Clenching, Grinding, and Facial Holding Patterns: Clients often experience relief from habitual jaw tension or bruxism patterns through regular bodywork and neuromuscular awareness.