---
title: Trismus & Limited Mouth Opening Treatment | Atlanta PT
description: Can't open your mouth all the way? Physical therapy for trismus, jaw locking, and stiffness after dental work or surgery in Roswell and Dunwoody, GA.
---
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# Trismus & Limited Mouth Opening Treatment in **Atlanta**
Can't open your mouth all the way? Hands-on physical therapy for jaw stiffness, locking, and limited opening 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. 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.
Sound familiar?
## What is trismus?
When your mouth won't open all the way, everyday things get hard: biting into a sandwich, brushing your back teeth, getting through a dental cleaning. Restricted mouth opening is called trismus, and it can come from tight muscles, a joint that's catching, or stiffness after dental work, surgery, or radiation.
Trismus means your mouth can't open as far as it normally should. Many adults can fit about three fingers stacked between their front teeth. Noticeably less than that, or a clear change from your own normal, may mean your opening is restricted.
[Book a TMJ Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
## Common causes of limited mouth opening
- **Closed lock.** The small disc inside the jaw joint slips out of place and blocks the joint from opening fully. It often follows a history of clicking that suddenly stopped.
- **Muscle guarding.** The chewing muscles tighten and protect the jaw after pain, stress, or heavy clenching.
- **Dental procedures.** Stiffness after wisdom tooth removal, long appointments, or dental injections.
- **Jaw surgery.** Opening is often limited while tissues heal after orthognathic or TMJ surgery.
- **Radiation for head and neck cancer.** Radiation can stiffen the jaw muscles and tissues over time.
- **Injury,** such as a blow to the jaw or a fall.
Our approach
## How physical therapy restores jaw opening
We find what's limiting your jaw (joint, muscle, or scar tissue) and treat it directly. Your plan is built from your evaluation and typically includes:
- **Joint mobilization** to help a stuck jaw joint glide again
- **Hands-on soft-tissue work** for tight chewing muscles, inside and outside the mouth
- **Progressive stretching,** including jaw stretching tools when appropriate
- **Dry needling** for guarded, tender jaw and neck muscles, when appropriate
- **Measured progress:** we track your opening at each visit so you can see it improve
- **A home program** so you keep gaining between visits
Earlier care usually means faster progress, especially for a closed lock or stiffness after radiation. If your limited opening started after clicking, see our page on [jaw clicking and popping](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/jaw-clicking-popping?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
We coordinate with your dentist, oral surgeon, or oncology team whenever your care calls for it.
- #### 1. A full history
Including when your opening became limited and any dental work, surgery, or treatment beforehand.
- #### 2. A hands-on exam
We measure your opening and check the joint and muscles to find what's limiting it.
- #### 3. A clear explanation
Of what's restricting your jaw, in plain language.
- #### 4. Treatment the same day
Plus a home program to start right away.
[Book Your First Visit](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
TESTIMONIAL
## WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
.svg)
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."
## Trismus treatment 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 get urgent care first
**Go to the emergency room** if limited opening comes with trouble swallowing or breathing, if your jaw is locked open and won't close, or if you have muscle spasms or stiffness elsewhere after a cut or puncture wound. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon promptly if you have facial swelling, fever, or worsening pain after a dental procedure. See a physician if limited opening comes with numbness, a lump, or unexplained weight loss.
FAQ
## Trismus & Limited Opening: Common Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most about limited mouth opening.
##### [What is trismus?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening#collapse1-widget_1793021689632)
Trismus is restricted mouth opening caused by changes in the jaw muscles, joint, or surrounding tissues. Many adults can fit about three fingers stacked between their front teeth. Noticeably less, or a clear change from your normal, may be trismus.
##### [Why can't I open my mouth after wisdom tooth removal?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening#collapse2-widget_1793021689632)
Short-term stiffness is common after wisdom tooth surgery, as the jaw muscles guard while tissues heal. It usually improves within a week or two. If it doesn't, or you have swelling or fever, contact your oral surgeon. Stiffness that lingers after healing often responds well to physical therapy.
##### [Is trismus the same as lockjaw?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening#collapse3-widget_1793021689632)
People often say lockjaw for any jaw that won't open. Lockjaw is also another name for tetanus, a medical emergency that causes muscle spasms after a wound. Most trismus is not tetanus. It comes from the jaw muscles or joint, or from dental work, surgery, or radiation.
##### [Why does my jaw get stuck partway open?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening#collapse4-widget_1793021689632)
A jaw that stops at a certain point can mean the disc inside the joint is blocking it, called a closed lock. It often follows a history of clicking that suddenly stopped. A closed lock responds best to early care, so get evaluated soon.
##### [Can physical therapy help trismus after radiation?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening#collapse5-widget_1793021689632)
Yes. Gentle, consistent stretching and hands-on therapy can improve and help maintain jaw opening after radiation for head and neck cancer. It works best when started early, and we coordinate with your oncology team.
##### [Do I need a referral?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/services/trismus-limited-mouth-opening#collapse6-widget_1793021689632)
No. In Georgia, you can start physical therapy without a physician referral.
[Book a TMJ Evaluation](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)
Ready when you are
## Get your jaw opening back
Don't wait for a stiff jaw to loosen on its own. Book a one-on-one evaluation in Roswell or Dunwoody, get your opening measured, and leave your first visit with a plan.
[Book a TMJ 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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