TMJ Pain: Should You Start with Physical Therapy or See a Specialist First?
If you’re dealing with jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or other TMJ-related symptoms, you might be wondering where to start. Do you need to see a dentist? A specialist? A surgeon? Or should you just try to tough it out and hope it goes away?
A lot of people don’t realize that physical therapy is one of the best first steps for TMJ dysfunction. Not only can a TMJ-trained physical therapist help you figure out what’s actually causing your pain, but they can also get you started on treatment right away—often much faster than other specialists.
Why Start with Physical Therapy for TMJ?
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to treating TMJ pain, and that can get overwhelming fast. Some people go straight to their dentist, others look for an oral-facial pain specialist, and some end up bouncing between different providers without getting clear answers.
Here’s why physical therapy is often the best place to start:
You can get in quickly – TMJ specialists, especially those who work in hospitals or large medical centers, are often booked out for months. If you can get in right away, that’s great. But for most people, waiting 3-6 months for an appointment isn’t ideal—especially if your pain is getting worse. Physical therapy clinics almost always have availability within a few days or a week.
You don’t need a referral (in most cases) – In many states, you can see a physical therapist without a doctor's referral. That means you can start treatment immediately instead of waiting to go through multiple steps just to get an appointment. (Here in Virginia we have unrestricted Direct Access!)
TMJ dysfunction is often a muscle and joint issue – Most cases of TMJ pain come from muscle tightness, joint irritation, or movement imbalances, all of which respond really well to physical therapy. While some cases do require specialized dental care (like splints or night guards), a lot of people can get significant relief just from restoring proper movement and reducing tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
You’ll get hands-on treatment and a clear plan – One of the most frustrating parts of TMJ dysfunction is feeling like you don’t know what to do. Some providers will tell you to rest your jaw, eat soft foods, or take medication, but that doesn’t actually fix the problem. A TMJ-trained physical therapist can give you hands-on treatment to improve joint function, help loosen tight muscles, and teach you specific exercises to keep your jaw moving properly.
When Should You See a TMJ Specialist First?
Physical therapy is a great starting point for most people with TMJ pain, but in some cases, you might need to see a specialist first—especially if you have:
Severe jaw locking – If your jaw won’t open or close and it’s been stuck for more than a few days, you may need to see a specialist who can help reposition the joint.
Severe structural damage – If your TMJ pain started after a serious injury or trauma (like a car accident or a direct blow to the jaw), imaging might be needed to rule out fractures or major joint damage.
A long history of unresolved TMJ issues – If you’ve had TMJ pain for years and nothing has helped, you may need a more advanced evaluation, especially if there’s concern about joint degeneration or arthritis.
That said, even in these cases, PT can still help. Many TMJ specialists refer their patients to physical therapy before considering more invasive treatments. If you’re not sure where to start, there’s almost no downside to trying PT first.
Bottom Line: Don’t Wait to Get Help
TMJ dysfunction is frustrating, but you don’t have to wait months to start feeling better. Physical therapy is one of the fastest and most effective ways to treat TMJ pain, and in many cases, you can start seeing improvement in just a few sessions.
If you’re dealing with jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or other TMJ-related symptoms, schedule an appointment and start getting relief now—not six months from now.
➡ Schedule an appointment to get started.