Can physical therapy prevent me from needing surgery?

For certain TMJ cases, yes. Surgery is usually considered a last-line treatment for TMJ disorders. TMJ surgery is typically recommended only when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, TMJ appliances, and Botox do not provide lasting relief or when severe concerns, such as jaw dislocation, are present.

Will this make my TMJ go away?

Physical therapy and consistent practice of recommended at-home exercises can help reduce TMJ symptoms and provide lasting relief. Although physical therapy may not eliminate every underlying cause of TMJ dysfunction, it can improve function and help patients manage symptoms more effectively.

When will I feel relief?

Many patients begin noticing relief within one to two weeks of starting TMJ physical therapy. Significant functional improvement may occur around six weeks. Treatment commonly lasts four to eight weeks, although the recommended timeline depends on the severity of symptoms and the patient's progress.

Can physical therapy prevent me from needing surgery?

For certain TMJ cases, yes. Surgery is usually the last line treatment for TMJ disorders. We typically only recommend TMJ surgery when conservative treatments like physical therapy, TMJ appliances , and Botox fail to provide lasting relief or if there are severe concerns like jaw dislocation.

Will this make my TMJ go away?

Physical therapy and regular practice with recommended at-home exercises can help reduce TMJ symptoms and provide lasting relief. While TMJ cannot be cured, regular PT can provide consistent relief from symptoms and allow you to get back to living your life uninhibited by jaw pain.

When will I feel relief?

Most patients start to feel relief after 1 to 2 weeks of starting their physical therapy for TMJ. In Kansas City, our therapists work with patients to create a customized treatment plan based on the severity of your TMJ symptoms. Significant functional improvement often happens around the 6 week mark. We typically recommend 4 to 8 weeks of physical therapy in office, but again, this depends on your progress and symptoms.

TMJ Physical Therapy in Kansas City

Restoring Comfort
and Movement

Eliminate pain and support proper jaw function with physical therapy.

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You Don’t Need to Live With Jaw Pain

If you’re struggling with daily discomfort from TMJ symptoms, it can feel really discouraging because basic things like eating and chatting with friends become painful. However, at Midwest Oral and Craniofacial Specialists, we offer physical therapy for TMJ in Kansas City to help you find lasting relief and reclaim your daily comforts.

Common TMJ Symptoms

TMJ typically shows these symptoms.

Jaw Pain & Tenderness

Typically located at the joints, just in front of the ears.

Clicking or Popping

When you open or close your mouth.

Chronic Headaches

Regular jaw tension can start to spread to the head and neck.

Difficulty Chewing

Or generally opening/closing the mouth.

Signs Physical Therapy Can Help

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule a consultation.

Daily Discomfort

Symptoms are acting up enough that you are having daily pain and difficulty.

Reduced Mobility

Your jaw is noticeably locking up and making it difficult to eat or talk.

Referred Pain

You’re noticing pain around your ears/neck or chronic tension headaches.

First-Time Treatment

If you’ve not had treatment before, physical therapy is often what we’ll recommend.

What TMJ Physical Therapy Can Look Like

01

Massage Therapy

Our physical therapists can use specific massage techniques to release jaw tension and increase mobility by relieving tightness in the jaw, face, and neck.
02

Jaw Exercises

You’ll be taught specific isometric and stretching exercises that you can complete at home to strengthen weak muscles and reduce clicking.
03

Relaxation Techniques

Stress can often contribute to TMJ symptoms like grinding and tension, and our therapists can offer relaxation techniques that help.
04

Lifestyle Recommendations

Certain habits (like chewing gum and biting nails) can aggravate TMJ, your therapist can recommend alternatives to avoid triggering TMJ symptoms.
05

Additional Modalities

We can add heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other modalities to support the results of your physical therapy.

How Physical Therapy Helps TMJ

Physical therapy includes multiple benefits that help you find relief.

Improving Jaw Mobility

Regular physical therapy exercises can help improve jaw movement and function.

Reducing Tension & Pain

Improving mobility can help relieve tight muscles and reduce painful tension.

Building New Habits

Adding in regular stretches, reducing stress, and avoiding triggering habits create lasting relief.

Talk With Our Experts

Get in touch with our specialists to talk about next steps and treatment options.

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Meet Our Craniofacial Specialists

Meet the Team

Meet the Doctor

Patrick Christopher

DDS, MD

Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Robert O. Weiss II

MD, DDS.

Pediatric Cleft & Craniofacial Surgeon

Find the Care You Need

Navigate your next steps with confidence and personalized recommendations.

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Our Patients Are Our Why

Our family and friends have asked us if we’re nervous for surgeries and our response has always been no. We genuinely feel like we’re sending our child back to two goofy uncles who just so happen to be highly skilled..."

- Kross R.

Our family and friends have asked us if we’re nervous for surgeries and our response has always been no. We genuinely feel like we’re sending our child back to two goofy uncles who just so happen to be highly skilled cleft surgeons. From the front desk to the surgeons, they’re all incredibly personable. They remember our names and our story. They don’t leave you hanging. They check in regularly even between appointments and surgeries. They don’t just provide care. They actually care.

- Kross R.
We cannot say enough amazing things about the amazing team that has been built within Midwest Cleft and Craniofacial Specialists. It truly is a TEAM of people who have come together to best help support families in one of the..."

- Briggs F.

We cannot say enough amazing things about the amazing team that has been built within Midwest Cleft and Craniofacial Specialists. It truly is a TEAM of people who have come together to best help support families in one of the scariest/unknown times of their lives and continue to be a part of our lives even after the “hard part”. It is truly amazing to me to think that Dr. Christopher, Dr. Weiss, and Rachel our team SLP have all been with us essentially since Briggs’ birthday three years ago! Feeding a baby with PRS and a cleft palate is not an easy feat and Rachel and the NICU SLP’s worked with us teaching and learning alongside us as we figured out the best feeding system, positions, etc. with Briggs. Now as he is older they have helped monitor and guide his Speech and Language development and helped advocate for him as we transition to an Early Childhood Education Program.

- Briggs F.
Our overall experience with the Midwest Cleft & Craniofacial Specialists team as being like family. They truly make you feel understood and involved in all aspects of the team and care. I couldn’t believe it when Dr. Weiss handed me..."

- Rayne

Our overall experience with the Midwest Cleft & Craniofacial Specialists team as being like family. They truly make you feel understood and involved in all aspects of the team and care. I couldn’t believe it when Dr. Weiss handed me his personal phone number. He was contacting me consistently after her surgery and made sure she was doing well. He checks in with us consistently and has even attended her Elementary Schools Career Day and provided so much insightful information about what he does to so many students. It is truly like being part of a family. You can see the passion he puts into his career and how much it shines. I couldn’t imagine my daughter having any other surgeon at this point.

- Rayne