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Conditions We Treat  /  TMJ & Jaw Pain

Jaw & Face

TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatment in Bakersfield

Many people don't know that physical therapists treat jaw pain. For most TMJ problems, gentle, hands-on physical therapy and the right exercises are an effective first treatment.

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Yes, physical therapy can help TMJ pain. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD, often just called “TMJ”) affect the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research advises starting with conservative, reversible treatments, and physical therapy, with hands-on treatment, jaw and neck exercises, and habit changes, is one of them. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, your therapist also looks at your neck and posture, which often play a part.

Does this sound like you?

✓Aching in your jaw, in front of your ear, or in your temples
✓Clicking or popping in your jaw that comes with pain
✓It's hard to open wide, or your jaw catches or feels stuck
✓Chewing, yawning or talking a lot makes it worse
✓You clench or grind your teeth, especially under stress or at night
✓Headaches, earaches or ear fullness with no ear infection

Why it happens

Most jaw pain comes from the chewing muscles being overworked by clenching, grinding, stress, or long hours of focused screen work, and it often travels with neck tension. Some people also have irritation of the joint itself or the small disc inside it, which can cause clicking, catching or limited opening. An injury to the jaw, or even long dental work with your mouth open, can set it off.

Clicking on its own isn't always a problem. Many people have a painless click that never needs treatment. It's worth getting checked when it comes with pain, catching or trouble opening.

What treatment at ARI looks like

1
A one-on-one evaluation

Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We measure how your jaw opens and moves, check the joint and chewing muscles, and assess your neck and posture, which often contribute.

2
Hands-on relief

Gentle manual therapy for the jaw and neck muscles and joints, to ease pain and improve how smoothly your jaw moves.

3
Exercises and habits

Controlled jaw exercises, a relaxed resting jaw position, neck and posture work, and practical changes for clenching and chewing, with a short home program. If you see a dentist for a night guard, we can work alongside them.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

When to see a doctor or dentist first

Call 911 if jaw pain comes with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating, or starts with exertion, because it can be a sign of a heart problem.

See a doctor or dentist promptly if:

  • Your jaw is locked open or locked closed
  • You have tooth pain, a change in your bite, or swelling in your face or gums
  • You have a fever with jaw or face swelling
  • The pain started after a blow to the face
  • You have new numbness in your face

Why patients choose ARI

Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

TMJ FAQs

Yes. Physical therapists treat jaw pain with hands-on techniques, jaw and neck exercises, and habit changes. Conservative treatments like these are the recommended starting point for most TMJ disorders.
Not to start physical therapy. If you have tooth pain, a change in your bite, or you grind your teeth at night, a dentist should check you as well, and we can work alongside them.
That's a decision for your dentist. Many people get relief from physical therapy and habit changes, with or without a guard.
No. In California you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage, so call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.
Yes. Tight chewing muscles and jaw problems often cause headaches around the temples, and neck tension can add to them. Treating the jaw and neck together often helps both.

Common questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

Sources

  1. TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH).
  2. Temporomandibular Disorders. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026