Skip to content

TMJ Treatment in Atlanta: Physical Therapy for Jaw Pain, Clicking & Locking

One-on-one, hands-on care for TMJ disorder (TMD) from a TMJ-focused physical therapist, at our clinics in Roswell and Dunwoody.

Book a TMJ Evaluation
Find a Location
Why TMJ Physical Therapy

Care built around your jaw

TMJ and orofacial pain is all we treat. We help patients across greater Atlanta get relief without surgery.

One-on-one care

Every visit is with a TMJ-focused physical therapist for the full session.

No referral needed

In Georgia, you can start physical therapy without a physician referral.

Two clinics

Convenient locations in Roswell and Dunwoody.

Superbills provided

Submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Woman massaging her cheek and jaw to relieve TMJ disorder pain
Sound familiar?

Jaw pain shouldn't run your day

Jaw pain that flares when you chew, a joint that clicks or catches, or a mouth that won't open all the way: these are signs of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in your jaw, cheek, or temple, often worse with chewing or talking
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
  • A jaw that catches, locks, or won't open as wide as it used to
  • Headaches that start at the temples or the sides of your head
  • Ear pain, pressure, or ringing with no ear infection
  • Clenching or grinding, especially at night or under stress
  • Neck and shoulder tension that travels with your jaw pain

If even one sounds familiar, a TMJ evaluation can tell you what's driving it and what will help.

What is TMJ disorder (TMD)?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. “TMJ” is the joint; “TMD” is the group of conditions that cause pain or dysfunction in it. Most cases fall into three overlapping categories:

  • Muscle-related pain (myofascial TMD). The chewing muscles become overworked and tender, often from clenching, stress, or posture.
  • Disc displacement. The small disc cushioning the joint shifts out of position, causing clicking, catching, or locking.
  • Joint irritation (arthralgia). The joint itself becomes inflamed or sore, sometimes after an injury, dental work, or long periods of opening wide.

The good news: most TMD responds well to conservative care, and physical therapy is one of the most effective options.

TMJ disorders we treat

TMD rarely shows up as just one symptom. Learn more about the specific problem bringing you in:

Physical therapist providing hands-on neck treatment as part of TMJ dysfunction care
Our approach

How physical therapy treats TMJ disorders

We treat the joint, the muscles that move it, and the habits and posture that keep it irritated. Your plan is built from your evaluation and typically combines:

  • Hands-on manual therapy, including gentle joint mobilization and soft-tissue work inside and outside the mouth
  • Dry needling for tight, tender jaw, neck, and head muscles, when appropriate
  • Targeted jaw exercises to restore smooth, controlled opening and closing
  • Neck and posture work, since the neck and jaw strongly influence each other
  • Habit coaching for daytime clenching, jaw resting position, and sleep posture
  • A home program so you keep improving between visits

We coordinate with your dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, or physician when your care calls for it. Curious what a session involves? Read what happens in a TMJ physical therapy session and how TMD physical therapy works.

Your first visit

What to expect at your first visit

Every visit is one-on-one with your physical therapist for the full session.

  • 1. A full history

    We ask when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what you've already tried.

  • 2. A hands-on exam

    We measure jaw opening and movement, listen for joint sounds, and check the jaw, head, and neck muscles.

  • 3. A clear explanation

    You'll leave knowing what's causing your symptoms, in plain language.

  • 4. Treatment the same day

    Most patients start hands-on treatment and a home program at the first visit.

  • 5. A plan

    We'll outline how many visits we expect and what progress should look like.

Book Your First Visit
TESTIMONIAL

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

Untitled design (65)

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.”

Untitled design (65)

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."

TMJ treatment in Roswell and Dunwoody

We see patients from across metro Atlanta, including Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Marietta, Brookhaven, and the rest of North Fulton and DeKalb.

Prefer to start with our main page? Learn more about TMJ physical therapy in Atlanta.

When to see a dentist or physician first

Physical therapy is the right starting point for most jaw pain. See a dentist or physician promptly if you have a sudden change in your bite, facial swelling, fever, numbness in your face, pain after a recent blow to the jaw, or a jaw that is locked open. Call 911 for jaw pain with chest pain or shortness of breath.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about TMJ physical therapy in Roswell and Dunwoody.

No. In Georgia, you can start physical therapy without a physician referral.

For most people, yes. Clinical guidelines recommend conservative care, including physical therapy, as a first-line treatment for TMD before more invasive options.

It depends on what is driving your symptoms and how long you have had them. We will give you an estimate after your first evaluation.

We are a cash-pay practice, so you pay at your visit. We provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

A night guard can protect your teeth from grinding, but it does not treat tight muscles, joint mechanics, or daytime habits. Many of our patients use both. Read more about night guards and TMJ disorders.

Treatment is gentle and adjusted to your comfort. Some hands-on work can feel tender, and we check in with you throughout.

Whichever is easier for you. Both clinics offer the same TMJ-focused care.

Book a TMJ Evaluation
Ready when you are

Get relief from TMJ pain

You don't have to keep working around your jaw. Book a one-on-one TMJ evaluation in Roswell or Dunwoody and leave your first visit with answers and a plan.