Jaw Pain Treatment in Virginia
Specialized Physical Therapy for TMJ and Jaw Dysfunction
If you're experiencing jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, facial tightness, or difficulty opening your mouth, you're not alone—and you're not without options. At Ballou Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain using hands-on, personalized physical therapy for patients across Virginia, especially in the Richmond and Glen Allen areas.
Why Am I Having Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain often stems from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a condition that affects the small but powerful joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. It can develop from:
Clenching or grinding (bruxism)
Postural imbalances
Neck or upper back issues
Hypermobility (like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
Arthritis or disc displacement in the jaw
Stress and muscle tension
The key to treating jaw pain successfully is understanding that it rarely exists in isolation. The neck, posture, nervous system, and even your breathing patterns can all contribute to your symptoms.
How Physical Therapy Helps Jaw Pain
We take a full-body, function-first approach to TMJ and jaw dysfunction. Our treatment goes beyond “just the jaw” to address the underlying causes and contributing factors of your pain.
A typical treatment plan may include:
Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility
TMJ stabilization exercises to improve control without overloading irritated tissues
Neck and postural retraining to support jaw alignment
Breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension from stress
Proprioceptive and neuromuscular retraining—especially important in patients with hypermobility or EDS
Education on joint protection, sleep posture, and behavior modification
You won’t find a one-size-fits-all protocol here. We tailor your care based on what your body needs.
Who We Treat
We regularly treat patients with:
TMJ dysfunction
Jaw clenching and grinding
Post-surgical jaw stiffness
Facial tension or pain
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility-related jaw issues
Stress-related jaw tightness and headaches
Neck and shoulder pain related to jaw dysfunction
Whether you're in Richmond, Glen Allen, Henrico County, or elsewhere in Virginia, you can get expert care for your jaw pain—right here in state.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first evaluation, we’ll:
Take a full history of your jaw and related symptoms
Assess your jaw, neck, posture, and movement
Look at breathing patterns, stress triggers, and movement control
Create a personalized treatment plan with clear goals
If we believe another specialist (like an oral surgeon or dentist) should be involved, we’ll coordinate care with them to make sure you get the best outcome.
Jaw Pain Relief Is Possible—And It Doesn’t Have to Involve Surgery
Most patients improve without injections or surgery. If you've been told to "just live with it," know that there is help—and it starts with movement, awareness, and support from a physical therapist who knows how to treat the entire system.
Schedule Jaw Pain Treatment in Virginia Today
I treat patients at H2 Health in Glen Allen, VA, with a strong focus on TMJ and jaw dysfunction. Whether you're local to Richmond or live anywhere in Virginia, you can get started with in-person or telehealth physical therapy options.
👉 Click here to schedule at H2 Health Glen Allen
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Pain & TMJ Physical Therapy
Q: Do I need a referral to start physical therapy for jaw pain in Virginia?
A: In most cases, no referral is needed. Virginia allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can schedule with us directly for TMJ or jaw-related pain. We’ll let you know if your insurance requires a referral or if a physician should be looped in.
Q: Can you treat TMJ even if it’s caused by stress or clenching at night?
A: Yes! Many of our patients experience jaw pain related to bruxism (clenching/grinding) or stress-related tension. Physical therapy helps reduce muscle overload, teaches relaxation techniques, and addresses the postural or movement issues that may be making it worse.
Q: I’ve had jaw pain for years. Will PT still help?
A: Absolutely. Even chronic TMJ pain can improve with the right approach. We focus on calming down irritated tissues, retraining jaw control, and improving the stability of the entire system—jaw, neck, posture, and nervous system.
Q: Is physical therapy painful for TMJ?
A: No. Treatment is gentle and focused on reducing pain, not causing it. If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or joint hypermobility, we’re especially cautious with hands-on work and prioritize stability, control, and comfort.
Q: Can you help if my jaw clicks but doesn’t hurt?
A: Yes—clicking or popping often indicates joint instability or disc displacement. Even without pain, it’s smart to address these early to prevent further dysfunction or irritation.