Myofunctional Therapy for TMJ: A Non-Invasive Solution for Jaw, Neck, and Facial Pain
Do you experience facial pain or chronic discomfort in your jaw, neck, and shoulders?
Have you been diagnosed with a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder or (TMD) by a medical professional?
If so, Myofunctional Therapy may offer relief. The TMJ is connected to numerous muscles in the face, mouth, and jaw, playing a crucial role in functions such as chewing, speaking, and eating. When pain is associated with these everyday activities, it is referred to as a Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
For many patients, identifying the cause of TMJ disorder is extremely challenging. Various factors can contribute to TMJ-related pain. Here are some examples:
Persistent jaw, shoulder, and neck pain
Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
Ankyloglossia (tongue tie, which limits opening and results in pain)
Incorrect tongue posture
Structural abnormalities in the oral cavity
Chronic stress
Consistently sleeping on one side
You may be experiencing some of these symptoms as well:
Headaches
Difficulty chewing
Pain when yawning
Difficulty opening the mouth wide
Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized treatment that focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth and tongue to improve their function, which can be beneficial for individuals with TMJ disorders.
It helps reduce TMJ symptoms by correcting muscle patterns and promoting proper alignment
The therapy is non-invasive and aims to address the root causes of TMJ discomfort, such as poor muscle function and breathing patterns
By retraining the muscles, Myofunctional Therapy can alleviate tension in the jaw and improve overall oral health
It also encourages nasal breathing, which can further reduce strain on the jaw muscles
Overall, Myofunctional Therapy can be an effective approach to managing TMJ disorders and improving oral function. For some patients, combining Myofunctional Therapy with targeted interventions like dry needling can offer even greater relief. Dry needling helps release trigger points and muscle tightness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders—common areas of tension in those with TMJ disorders. When used together, these approaches can work synergistically to reduce pain, restore function, and promote long-term healing.
TMJ symptoms are complex—but your treatment doesn’t have to be. If this sounds like what you’ve been missing, book a visit and let’s get to the root of the issue together.
If you're in the Corpus Christi area and dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms, you're not alone—and there are solutions. At South Texas Pelvic Health, we proudly partner with Gulf Coast Myofunctional Therapy to provide expert, collaborative care. Whether through Myofunctional Therapy, dry needling, or a combination of both, our goal is to help you find lasting relief.
Call or Email us today to schedule your first step toward feeling better.