Treatment for Jaw Pain in McKinney, Texas

Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

Did you know that 35% of people experience physical symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction at some point in their lives? Yet only about 5–10% ever seek treatment.

TMJ dysfunction can be frustrating and even debilitating—it can make eating, speaking, and relaxing uncomfortable. The good news? Physical therapy can help restore comfort, mobility, and function so you can get back to normal daily activities.

Common Signs & Symptoms

You might be dealing with TMJ dysfunction if you notice:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness

  • Tooth discomfort or sensitivity

  • Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw

  • Facial muscle soreness

  • Headaches or neck pain

Because the jaw and neck are closely connected, TMJ problems often appear alongside neck tension and headaches.

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ pain can develop for several reasons, including:

  • Parafunctional habits: chewing gum, nail biting, jaw clenching

  • Bruxism: grinding your teeth, often at night

  • Chronic stress: leading to tension in the jaw and neck

  • Trauma: direct impact to the jaw or face

  • Dental procedures: prolonged mouth opening can irritate the joint

Understanding what’s driving your pain is key to effective, lasting relief.

Our Approach at Tempered Physical Therapy

At Tempered Physical Therapy, we take a holistic and evidence-based approach to TMJ treatment.
Your evaluation includes:

  • A detailed jaw and neck assessment

  • Intraoral (inside the mouth) and extraoral (outside the mouth) evaluations

  • A review of cervical spine mobility and posture

This comprehensive exam helps identify the root cause of your pain and guides the creation of your personalized treatment plan.

Your plan may include:

  • Manual therapy: joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release

  • Dry needling with electrical stimulation (performed by Dr. Justin Ponce, one of the few therapists in McKinney trained in this advanced technique)

  • Strengthening exercises for the jaw and neck

  • Lifestyle modifications and education to reduce stress and prevent recurrence

  • A custom home exercise program designed to continue your progress between visits

Evidence-Based TMJ Therapy

Research supports the effectiveness of physical therapy for TMJ disorders.

  • A systematic review by Mina Khayamzadeh et al. found that dry needling reduces pain, improves jaw mobility, and decreases muscle tension.

  • A study by Harrison et al., “A Proposed Diagnostic Classification of Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders,” demonstrated that manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue work can significantly improve TMJ symptoms.

At Tempered PT, we combine these proven methods with individualized care to help you achieve real, lasting results.

Why Choose Tempered Physical Therapy

✅ Expertise in TMJ dysfunction and jaw rehabilitation
✅ One-on-one, personalized treatment sessions
✅ Advanced techniques including dry needling and electrical stimulation
✅ Focus on long-term recovery and prevention

Start Your Path to Relief

If you’ve tried traditional physical therapy or a custom mouth guard without lasting results, your experience at Tempered Physical Therapy can be different.

📞 Call Dr. Justin Ponce at 214-449-1191 to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. Or book your appointment online and take the first step toward pain-free movement.

Book an Appointment