TMJ care
Your jaw pain isn't just a jaw problem.
If you've been dealing with jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or chronic clenching, and a night guard hasn't solved it, the problem likely isn't just your jaw. TMJ involves the bite, the neck, and the nervous system all at once. Evidence-based, conservative care for this treats all three. Dr. Park is a dentist working within a PT setting, which means both sides of the problem get addressed in the same place.
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TMJ care
Most TMJ patients have seen a dentist. A few have seen a PT. Almost none have seen both in the same room.
The temporomandibular joint (the jaw) is both a musculoskeletal joint and a dental structure. Problems there often require understanding of both. Dr. Park is a DDS with specific training in TMJ dysfunction, jaw mechanics, and the relationship between bite, jaw position, and downstream effects like headaches, neck tension, and ear symptoms.
Treatment depends on the presentation. Muscle tension and joint inflammation respond to manual therapy and guided jaw exercises. Bruxism (teeth grinding) is often addressed with Botox into the masseter (jaw) muscle, which reduces the force of clenching without affecting normal function. Bite splints, when appropriate, are discussed alongside PT and injection options so the patient has a complete picture.
Why here
Dental training in the room. Not PT adapted for the jaw.
TMJ care requires understanding of both the joint and the bite. Dr. Park brings dental training to the treatment, not a physical therapy protocol adapted for the jaw. When jaw tension is driving the symptoms, therapeutic Botox in the masseter and temporalis is available as part of the same visit.
When the jaw is the source of headaches or ear symptoms, it is treated directly. Coordinated with your dentist or orthodontist when the case calls for it.
Questions
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How do I know if my headaches are coming from my jaw?
Common signs: headaches that start at the temples or behind the ears, pain or clicking when opening wide, jaw soreness in the morning (suggesting clenching during sleep), and neck tension that's worse after meals or stress. Dr. Park's evaluation is designed to assess whether the jaw is a primary driver or a contributing factor.
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Is Botox for jaw tension safe?
Yes. Botox injected into the masseter muscle for bruxism and TMJ tension is a well-established treatment with a strong safety record. The doses used for jaw tension are lower than those used in aesthetic applications. The effect lasts 3 to 6 months and can be repeated. It doesn't affect normal chewing or speech.
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Do I need a dentist referral?
No. You can book directly. If your dentist has been involved and you'd like Dr. Park to coordinate with them, he can do that, but it's not required.
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What's the difference between TMJ PT and seeing a DDS for TMJ?
A PT focuses on the musculoskeletal components (joint mobility, muscle tension, movement patterns. A DDS focuses on the dental and bite components) occlusion, splints, joint structure. Dr. Park holds both. That means the evaluation includes both frameworks and the treatment can address whichever dimension is most relevant for your case.