TMJ Dysfunction Treatment in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Jaw clicking or popping. Pain when you chew. Headaches that start at your temples. Ringing in your ears. Tension that won't release no matter how much you stretch your neck. If this sounds familiar, you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and most people are told to "just live with it."
Dr. Lance Whorton, DMin, MSPT, MTC, CMTPT/PT treats TMJ dysfunction as a whole system problem: jaw, neck, and nervous system together, using dry needling to release the deep muscles driving jaw tension, combined with manual therapy and NEUBIE neuromuscular re-education. This approach is backed by his own published research in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy.
Head and Neck Pain
A typical session starts with a full evaluation to find the actual source of your jaw, head, or neck pain, not just where it hurts. From there, treatment usually combines manual therapy, dry needling when indicated, and a targeted exercise plan built around your specific issue. This combination helps decrease pain, restore normal joint function, and get you back to enjoying life.
TMJ Pain
While a physician is concerned with making sure your bite is correct, your physical therapist will work with you on the following aspects of your care:
1. Correcting your oral mechanics
2. Establishing an unclenched
position of the jaw at rest
3. Helping you obtain the best head and neck alignment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physical therapy fix TMJ dysfunction? Yes, for many patients, TMJ symptoms are driven by muscle tension and joint dysfunction that respond well to manual therapy and dry needling, often without a night guard or surgery.
Do I need a referral? No, Whorton Therapy is cash-pay, so you can schedule directly.
How many sessions does treatment take? Most patients complete care in 6-8 sessions over about 3 months.