Temporomandibular Pain and Dysfunction
I have been treating jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and facial pain since the early 1990’s. I take a holistic approach when treating the jaw and orofacial region. I have strong foundational knowledge of techniques that can be important for treatment of this region; these include Myofascial Release, Roccobado, Saunders, Craniosacral Therapy, Postural Restoration (PRI), Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and Breathing Re-education.
Sometimes treatment from a massage therapist can alleviate your symptoms but there are often underlying conditions that are contributing to your pain. Addressing these issues are often critical for best outcomes when treating the TMJ.
Evaluation and treatments will consist of:
1. Assessment of jaw motion and how the joints are working and stretches advised as needed for tight muscles/fascia
2. Assessment of posture and explanation of how posture relates to your jaw
3. Assessment of how well your joints are moving (we call it joint play) and mobilization to joints that are not moving well
4. Assessment and treatment of myofascial restrictions, structural malalignments of the jaw and other regions of the body and education about self treatment techniques
5. Assessment and treatment of stuck patterns of movement and posture using PRI philosophy and treatments
6. Assessment and treatment of orofacial dysfunctions to include tongue posture, lip seal, nasal breathing, and oral phase of swallowing.
7. Assessment of autonomic nervous system balance via hand temperature biofeedback followed by inteventions such as breathing techniques, Jacobson relaxation exercises, and hand warming visualizations to normalize balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
8. Referral to dentists or TMD specialists for consult for recalcitrant symptoms.
9. Recommendations for home exercises as well as ongoing self care
To add to my strong foundational knowledge, I participate in ongoing continuing education regarding the treatment of orofacial and TMJ issues. Some of my background studies include:
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Assistant teacher with Walt Fritz for his Manual Therapy for Voice and Swallowing Course 2025
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Postural Restoration courses on Respiration (2023), Myokinematics (2024), Pelvic Inlet/Outlet (2024), and Cranium (2025)
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Doctor of physical therapy capstone project on treatment of TMJ pain/dysfunction 2022
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Acadamy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Course One 2016
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First International American Acadamy of Myofunctional Sciences Conference
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Acadamy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Sleep Disordered Breathing and Temporomandibular Dysfunction 2015
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Acadamy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Course One 2015
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Upledger Craniosacral courses
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Barral visceral manipulation courses
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John Barnes Myofascial Release with over 400 hours of coursework addressing the whole body, including fascial cranium course
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Founding member of the American Academy of Myofunctional Sciences
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Member of American Physical Therapy Association