TMJ Treatment in Lexington & Georgetown, KY
If you’ve been waking up with jaw soreness, headaches, or that uncomfortable “click” every time you open your mouth, you’re not alone. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues can make something as simple as eating, talking, or smiling a painful task. At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we help people in Lexington and Georgetown, KY find lasting relief from TMJ pain through customized physical therapy and myofascial release techniques designed to restore comfort and balance to your jaw.
TMJ problems often get brushed off as “stress” or “tightness,” but the truth is, they can become chronic without the right care. Our therapists specialize in identifying the root cause of your jaw discomfort and creating a personalized plan that helps you move — and live — pain-free again.
Understanding TMJ and Why It Causes Pain
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull — it’s one of the most complex joints in your body. It allows your jaw to move up, down, and side to side so you can talk, chew, and yawn. Because it’s used constantly throughout the day, any misalignment or tension in this area can quickly lead to inflammation, muscle tightness, and pain that radiates into the head, neck, or even shoulders.
When the TMJ becomes irritated or overworked, you might experience:
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Jaw clicking or popping sounds
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Pain when chewing or talking
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Headaches or earaches
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Facial tenderness or tightness
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Limited jaw movement or locking
This discomfort can come from a variety of sources — not just the joint itself. In many cases, the surrounding muscles, posture, or stress levels are the real culprits behind your symptoms.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMJ dysfunction (TMD) can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on what’s contributing to the stress on your jaw joint. Some of the most common causes we see at our Lexington and Georgetown therapy clinics include:
1. Muscle Imbalances and Posture Issues
Poor posture — especially from extended phone or computer use — can cause the neck and jaw muscles to tighten, pulling your jaw slightly out of alignment.
2. Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Bruxism (teeth grinding) and habitual clenching put consistent pressure on the TMJ, leading to pain and inflammation over time.
3. Injury or Trauma
A fall, whiplash, or direct impact to the jaw can damage the joint or surrounding tissues, triggering long-term discomfort.
4. Stress and Tension
Emotional stress can cause unconscious jaw tightening, especially during sleep or stressful moments, which aggravates TMJ pain.
5. Arthritis or Degeneration
For some patients, degenerative joint changes or arthritis can wear down the TMJ’s cushioning, leading to stiffness and chronic discomfort.
No matter the cause, our therapists take the time to identify what’s really driving your pain — not just the symptoms — so we can treat the source directly.
Casey Brackett
We took our one month old daughter to see Jess when we noticed it was taking a lot of time for her to finish a bottle and she was falling asleep feeding. Jess was thorough in evaluating, hearing our concerns, and coming up with a plan that was reasonable for our family to maintain and effective at improving all areas of feeding for our daughter. We quickly saw improvements and felt confident our daughter was finally getting what she needed. Jess is incredibly knowledgeable, personable, kind, and patient-centric. She’s the best!
April Friese
Jessica at Kentucky Therapy Solutions has been incredibly helpful to our child’s speech development. Our child has progressed considerably under her guidance. She identified key physical barriers that were overlooked by physicians at one of the nation’s top children’s hospital. Jessica is genuinely engaged with her patients, demonstrating the utmost care and patience. She’s absolutely the best!!!
How We Diagnose TMJ Pain in Lexington & Georgetown
When you come in for your first visit at Kentucky Therapy Solutions, our licensed physical therapists begin with a thorough assessment. We’ll ask about your pain patterns, daily habits, and any history of injury. Then, we perform a hands-on evaluation of your jaw movement, neck alignment, and muscle tension.
During your evaluation, we may check for:
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Jaw clicking or deviation when opening
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Tightness in facial or neck muscles
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Range of motion in the jaw
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Trigger points in the surrounding tissue
We’ll also look at how your posture, breathing, and shoulder mechanics could be contributing to your jaw pain. This detailed evaluation helps us build a personalized TMJ treatment plan tailored to your exact needs.
If necessary, we can collaborate with your dentist, physician, or orthodontist to ensure you’re getting a full-circle approach to recovery.
TMJ Treatment Options at Kentucky Therapy Solutions
Our approach to TMJ treatment in Lexington and Georgetown combines evidence-based physical therapy techniques with holistic strategies for long-term relief. Your plan may include a mix of the following:
Myofascial Release
This gentle hands-on technique helps release tension and restore mobility in the muscles surrounding the jaw, neck, and shoulders. By relieving trigger points and improving circulation, myofascial release reduces stiffness and helps you move your jaw more comfortably.
Manual Therapy
We use precise manual techniques to realign the TMJ, improve joint mechanics, and decrease inflammation. This may include soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint glides.
Therapeutic Exercises
Custom exercises focus on improving jaw alignment, coordination, and posture. We’ll teach you how to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones, so your jaw moves more naturally again.
Postural Training
Your neck and upper back posture play a huge role in TMJ function. We’ll guide you through posture correction exercises that reduce tension and prevent pain from returning.
Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
Stress management is key to long-term relief. We integrate relaxation and breathing exercises to help you minimize unconscious clenching or grinding habits.
Education and Lifestyle Guidance
Our therapists will show you how to modify habits that aggravate TMJ pain — such as chewing gum, hard foods, or resting your chin on your hand — and help you build healthier routines for your jaw and neck.
Our mission is not just to get you relief but to help you understand how to maintain it.
Preventing Future TMJ Flare-Ups
Once your pain is under control, we focus on preventing it from coming back. Some of the best ways to keep your jaw healthy include:
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Maintaining good posture when using screens
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Avoiding chewing on one side of your mouth
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Reducing stress through regular stretching or mindfulness
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Using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
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Practicing the jaw relaxation exercises we provide
By keeping your muscles balanced and your posture aligned, you can dramatically reduce the chance of recurring TMJ pain.
Why Choose Kentucky Therapy Solutions for TMJ Treatment in Lexington and Georgetown?
At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we believe in a patient-first approach. Our team takes time to listen, assess, and personalize your care so you’re not just getting temporary relief — you’re getting lasting results.
Here’s what makes our TMJ therapy different:
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One-on-one sessions with licensed physical therapists
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Evidence-based, personalized treatment plans
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Integration of myofascial release, manual therapy, and exercise therapy
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Emphasis on education and prevention
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Convenient locations in Lexington and Georgetown, KY
We’ve helped countless patients who thought they had to “just live with” their jaw pain finally find relief — and we’re ready to help you next.
Get Lasting Relief from TMJ Pain Today
Don’t let jaw pain control your day. If you’re tired of clicking, stiffness, or headaches that never seem to go away, it’s time to get professional help. At Kentucky Therapy Solutions, we specialize in TMJ treatment that’s effective, personalized, and focused on restoring your comfort and confidence.
Schedule your TMJ evaluation today at our Lexington or Georgetown clinic, and take the first step toward a pain-free, more relaxed life.