Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment

Unlock Relief from Jaw Pain and Restore Comfort
Woman with sore jaw

Hosmer Chiropractic Health offers comprehensive, non-invasive care for TMD and TMJ disorders throughout the greater Portland, Oregon metro area. Our chiropractors and massage therapists address not only the jaw joint but also the surrounding muscles and structures to relax tension, improve mobility, and restore healthy movement.

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Understanding TMD and TMJ

TMD (temporomandibular disorders) refers to a group of more than 30 conditions that can cause pain, stiffness, and dysfunction in the jaw joint and nearby muscles.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. It’s a complex joint that combines hinge and sliding motions, cushioned cartilage, and a shock-absorbing disk that helps your jaw move smoothly.

While “TMJ” refers to the joint itself, “TMD” describes the disorders that affect it.

Common Causes of TMD

  • Jaw misalignment or dysfunction of the TMJ joint capsule
  • Chronic muscle tension or stress-related clenching
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Neck or upper back posture imbalances
  • Trauma to the jaw or face
  • Dental or bite-related issues

When left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, and even neck or ear pain, all of which can affect sleep and quality of life.

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Are You Suffering from TMD?

If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may have TMD:

  • Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth
  • Facial or jaw pain
  • Limited jaw movement or “locking”
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Ear pain or pressure
  • Neck and shoulder tightness or muscle spasms

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At Hosmer, we use evidence-based care that addresses both the jaw joint and the supporting muscles. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore, natural movement, and prevent future flare-ups.

Our approach includes:

  • Muscle relaxation and massage: We treat both external muscles (like the masseter) and internal muscles (such as pterygoids) to improve jaw movement and chewing function.
  • TMJ capsule therapy: We address the joint capsule itself, a critical structure often overlooked in other treatments
  • Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT): Gentle, precise adjustments correct TMJ misalignments and restore proper motion.
  • Soft tissue therapy: Targeted care for the neck, shoulders, and upper back helps reduce compensatory tension.
  • Postural correction and home care guidance: We provide ergonomic and stretching recommendations to maintain balance and relieve stress on the TMJ.
  • Shockwave therapy: This treatment, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, stimulates healing via low-energy acoustic waves.
  • Class IV laser therapy: This advanced treatment uses concentrated light energy to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate healing in the tissues surrounding the jaw. Laser therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.

Our Treatment Process

  1. Comprehensive Assessment
    We begin with a detailed history, a physical and intraoral muscle exam, and may recommend imaging to fully understand the cause of your TMD.
  2. Personalized Care Plan
    Your plan is customized to your unique symptoms, posture, and jaw function, often combining multiple treatment techniques for the best results.
  3. Ongoing Progress Tracking
    We monitor your progress closely and adjust care as your mobility and comfort improve.

TMD/TMJ Treatment FAQs

Q: How long does it take to feel relief?
A: Many patients notice improvement within a few visits, though lasting results depend on the severity and duration of symptoms.

Q: What makes Hosmer’s approach different?
A: We treat the entire area, not just the joint. By addressing the surrounding muscles, posture, and alignment, we support sustainable recovery. 

Q: What is Class IV laser therapy?A: It’s a high-powered therapeutic laser that delivers light energy to the surrounding tissues, reducing inflammation and pain while promoting healing.

Practioner List

The following practitioners specialize in TMD/TMJ treatment:

  • Pearl District
    • Seth Hosmer, DC
    • Charlene McMeeken, DC
    • Renata Retter, DC
    • Sydney Rowan, DC
    • Dylan Savage, DC
    • Kristen McFarland, LMT
    • Kyra Plume, LMT
  • Multnomah Village
    • Renata Retter, DC
    • Devora Lepp, LMT
    • Kristen McFarland, LMT
    • Tessa Perkins, LMT
    • Tylor Justin, DC
    • Renata Retter, DC

Ready to experience jaw dropping results?

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