Can TMJ dysfunction cause my jaw to lock?

does tmj go away

The star of TMJ dysfunction is the jaw joint, which is known in medical circles as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is supported by a cast of soft tissue structures, including ligaments, muscles and cartilage. Now that we know the players in this drama, let’s answer the question posed by our title. 

Yes. TMJ dysfunction can cause a person’s jaw to lock or freeze either open or closed. Physical therapists can help you learn more about how TMJ dysfunction and jaw locking are connected. These medical professionals can also help you address a locked jaw and the TMJ dysfunction that triggers it. 

Why does TMJ dysfunction cause the jaw to lock? 

Let’s be clear here. Most people who have minor or moderate cases of TMJ dysfunction probably won’t have their jaws freeze up. They are more likely to experience pain in their jaw or neck and difficulty chewing or talking. A frozen jaw typically happens when your TMJ dysfunction is severe. The primary reason that the joint freezes up when people have this condition is simple: The severe damage or misalignment of the joint or its soft tissue isn’t allowing the joint to move properly. 

How can physical therapy help restore function to your locked jaw?

When all else fails, surgery may be required to address jaw immobility caused by TMJ dysfunction. Fortunately, there are multiple steps that physical therapists can take to try to help you before surgery is required. Some of the ways physical therapists can help your frozen jaw include: 

  • Mobilizing jaw soft tissue — One way physical therapists can help TMJ dysfunction sufferers is to target a common underlying cause: soft tissue tension. This tension is often a result of scar tissue that has built up after jaw soft tissue was damaged. Physical therapists can use their hands to apply pressure and friction to the affected jaw soft tissue. Doing so is known as soft tissue mobilization. 
  • Mobilizing the TMJ — Another way physical therapists can help unlock your jaw joint is by focusing on the joint itself. They can gently apply pressure with their hands to realign the TMJ. They can then use their hands to carefully move the joint through its normal range of motion. Your physical therapist will likely refer to this technique as joint mobilization. 

Don’t let TMJ dysfunction keep your jaw locked up. Get help from our Border team

Need help dealing with a locked jaw caused by TMJ dysfunction? Our Border Therapy Services team is primed to help you address this and other TMJ dysfunction symptoms. We can do a free screening of your jaw to determine the root cause of your condition and symptoms. Then, our physical therapists can build you a customized physical therapy plan that’s designed to reduce your symptoms and help you attain your recovery goals. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can treat TMJ problems or to schedule your initial appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists.