Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

-Headaches that begin in the back of the neck or the sides of the head
-Popping or clicking in one or both sides of jaw
-Loss of motion of jaw (normal movement is 44 mm)
-Facial Pain
-Difficulty Biting or Chewing

Can any Physical Therapist Treat TMD?

Yes, by State Regulations, any licensed Physical Therapist can treat TMD, but there is
minimal training given for this complex problem in physical therapy school. There are
multiple continuing education courses that train a therapist to specialize in this area which
goes beyond the basics. Before scheduling an appointment with any physical therapist
regarding your TMD issue, you should ask if the therapist has taken any continuing
education classes specifically dealing with TMD dysfunction as well as how often they are
seeing TMD patients.

The TMD specialist in our office has completed the Mariano Rocabado series of TMD
courses that teaches the therapist how to identify dysfunction of the TMJ, head, neck and
thoracic spine. Dr. Rocabado is the leading expert in TMJ dysfunction for physical therapists
and has authored many articles on this complex issue. Please call our office with any
questions or to schedule an appointment.

TMJ/TMD Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
(also known as Craniomandibular Disorder)

Craniomandibular disorders (CMD) are characterized by a
combination of symptoms that may include pain, tenderness
and
dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, the mouth and the
occlusal contacts (how the teeth touch with closing), the
cervical
spine, and the muscles of mastication. TMD is usually treated
by
both a Dentist who specializes in TMD dysfunction and a
Physical Therapist.