---
title: Jaw Surgery Recovery Physical Therapy | Atlanta TMJ PT
description: Recovering from jaw or TMJ surgery? Physical therapy to restore opening, reduce stiffness, and get back to normal eating. Roswell and Dunwoody, GA.
---
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# Physical Therapy After Jaw Surgery in **Atlanta**
Recovering from jaw or TMJ surgery? One-on-one rehab to restore opening, reduce stiffness, and get you back to normal eating, at our clinics in Roswell and Dunwoody.
[Book a TMJ Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
[Find a Location](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/locations?hsLang=en)
Why TMJ Physical Therapy
## Care built around your jaw
TMJ and orofacial pain is all we treat, including rehab after jaw and TMJ surgery.
### One-on-one care
Every visit is with a TMJ-focused physical therapist for the full session.
### Two clinics
Convenient locations in Roswell and Dunwoody.
### Superbills provided
Submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
After surgery
## Your jaw has to relearn how to move
Surgery fixes the structure, but your jaw still has to relearn how to move. After jaw or TMJ surgery, it's common to have limited opening, stiffness, swelling, and tired, weak chewing muscles.
Physical therapy helps you recover that movement safely and on your surgeon's timeline. Every plan starts with your surgeon's clearance and follows any guidelines or restrictions your surgeon provides, and we keep your surgeon updated as you progress.
[Book a TMJ Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
## Surgeries we help patients recover from
- **Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery,** including upper and lower jaw procedures. Rehab focuses on restoring opening, symmetrical movement, and comfortable chewing as the bone heals.
- **TMJ arthroscopy and arthrocentesis.** These less invasive joint procedures usually call for early, guided movement to keep the joint gliding and prevent stiffness.
- **TMJ total joint replacement.** Rehab follows any guidelines or restrictions your surgeon provides to build opening, control, and function with the new joint.
- **Other jaw procedures,** such as fracture repair or complex dental surgery, when your surgeon recommends rehab.
Our approach
## How physical therapy helps after jaw surgery
Within any guidelines or restrictions your surgeon provides, rehab typically includes:
- **Guided jaw exercises** to restore opening and side-to-side movement safely
- **Gentle hands-on therapy** for stiff joints, guarded muscles, and scar tissue, as healing allows
- **Swelling management** to help the face and jaw settle
- **Movement retraining** so your jaw opens straight and evenly
- **Neck and posture work,** since the neck often stiffens during recovery
- **A progression back to normal eating** in line with any diet guidelines from your surgeon
- **Measured progress:** we track your opening at each visit and share updates with your surgeon
If stiffness is your main concern, see our page on [trismus and limited mouth opening](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening?hsLang=en), or learn more about [TMJ treatment in Atlanta](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/tmj-treatment?hsLang=en).
[Book a TMJ Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
Your first visit
## What to expect at your first visit
Every visit is one-on-one with your physical therapist for the full session, and we keep your surgeon updated.
- #### 1. A review of your surgery
Including any guidelines or restrictions from your surgeon and your current diet stage.
- #### 2. A gentle exam
We check your opening, jaw movement, swelling, and neck.
- #### 3. A clear plan
For what recovery should look like over the coming weeks.
- #### 4. Treatment the same day
Plus a home program that fits your healing stage.
[Book Your First Visit](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
TESTIMONIAL
## WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
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Patient
Meagan
“I have visited several doctors for my TMJ issues, and none have given me the relief or results like Dr. Glackin… After roughly 5 appointments, my jaw feels better than it has in years.”
.svg)
Patient
Rhea
"I struggled with chronic TMJ pain for months before finding Dr. Glackin. Within just a couple of sessions, he made significant progress where other medical professionals had not."
## Jaw surgery recovery in Roswell and Dunwoody
We see patients from across metro Atlanta, including Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Marietta, and Brookhaven.
- **[Roswell clinic](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/locations/roswell?hsLang=en):** 930 Woodstock Rd #310, Roswell, GA 30075
- **[Dunwoody clinic](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/locations/dunwoody?hsLang=en):** 4721 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Bldg 100, Ste 150, Dunwoody, GA 30338
### When to contact your surgeon right away
**Call 911** for trouble breathing or swallowing. Contact your surgeon promptly if you have a fever, increasing swelling or redness, drainage or an opening at the incision, bleeding that won't stop, a sudden change in your bite, new or worsening numbness or facial weakness, or pain that gets worse instead of better.
FAQ
## Jaw Surgery Recovery: Common Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most about rehab after jaw and TMJ surgery.
##### [When should I start physical therapy after jaw surgery?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/physical-therapy-after-jaw-surgery#collapse1-widget_1793021689632)
It depends on your procedure and your surgeon. After TMJ arthroscopy or arthrocentesis, guided movement often starts within days. After orthognathic surgery, rehab usually begins once the bone has had time to heal. We start when your surgeon clears you and follow any guidelines or restrictions they provide.
##### [How long does jaw surgery recovery take?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/physical-therapy-after-jaw-surgery#collapse2-widget_1793021689632)
It varies by procedure. The first stage of healing takes several weeks, and getting full jaw function back often takes a few months. Physical therapy helps you regain opening and comfortable chewing along the way.
##### [Is it normal not to open my mouth wide after jaw surgery?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/physical-therapy-after-jaw-surgery#collapse3-widget_1793021689632)
Yes. Limited opening is common after jaw surgery because of swelling, healing tissue, and protective muscle tension. Physical therapy helps restore opening safely. If your opening suddenly gets worse, contact your surgeon.
##### [Can physical therapy help numbness after jaw surgery?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/physical-therapy-after-jaw-surgery#collapse4-widget_1793021689632)
Numbness in the lip or chin is common after lower jaw surgery and often improves gradually as the nerve recovers. Physical therapy doesn't speed nerve healing directly, but we monitor it during your visits and treat the stiffness and pain around it. Report any changes in numbness to your surgeon.
##### [Do you work with my oral surgeon?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/physical-therapy-after-jaw-surgery#collapse5-widget_1793021689632)
Yes. We follow any guidelines or restrictions your surgeon provides, including diet guidelines, and we keep them updated on your progress.
##### [Do I need a referral?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/physical-therapy-after-jaw-surgery#collapse6-widget_1793021689632)
In Georgia, you can start physical therapy without a physician referral. After surgery, we recommend getting your surgeon's clearance before your first visit.
[Book a TMJ Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
Ready when you are
## Recover with confidence after jaw surgery
Once your surgeon clears you, book a one-on-one rehab evaluation in Roswell or Dunwoody. We'll follow any guidelines or restrictions your surgeon provides and help you get back to opening, chewing, and eating comfortably.
[Book a Rehab Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
[](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/?hsLang=en)
## TMJ Physical Therapy
### Hours
Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
#### Contact
Email: [info@physicaltherapytmj.com](mailto:info@physicaltherapytmj.com)
Fax: (404) 566-9260
## Locations
### Roswell
Phone: [(404) 868-7994](tel:+14048687994)
Address: 930 Woodstock Rd #310, Roswell, GA 30075
### Dunwoody
Phone: [(404) 458-7810](tel:+14044587810)
Address: 4721 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. Bldg 100, Ste 150, Dunwoody, GA 30338
#### Blog
- [Blog Listing](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog)
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