Physical therapy in Reseda, CA
TMJ & Jaw Pain Physical Therapy
Persistent jaw pain, clicking, or tension headaches can make everyday things — eating, talking, even sleeping — genuinely uncomfortable. Hands-on physical therapy with Urvashi Barbhaya, RPT, OCS, addresses the muscles and joints behind those symptoms so you can move and rest without the ache.
What is TMJ dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joints are the two hinges that connect your jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. When the muscles and joints that control the jaw become irritated, overworked, or move out of their normal rhythm, the result is often grouped under the term TMJ dysfunction (also called TMD). It can show up on one side or both, and it frequently travels — the jaw, the neck, and the muscles around the temples are closely connected, which is why jaw trouble so often comes with headaches and neck tightness.
Signs physical therapy may help
People often come in when they notice one or more of the following:
- Jaw pain or soreness when chewing, yawning, or speaking
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- The jaw catching, locking, or opening unevenly
- Frequent tension headaches or pain around the temples
- Aching that spreads into the neck, face, or ears
- Tightness from clenching or grinding, especially with stress or overnight
How treatment works
After an assessment of how your jaw moves and how the surrounding muscles and neck are contributing, your care is built around a few complementary approaches, adjusted to what your body actually needs:
Hands-on manual therapy
Gentle, targeted techniques release tight jaw and neck muscles and help restore smoother, more even joint movement. This is done within your comfort and eased in gradually.
Guided exercises
Specific movements retrain the jaw to open and close in a balanced way and build the control that keeps symptoms from returning. You will learn a short home routine you can actually keep up with.
Posture and habit change
Forward head posture, desk position, and daytime clenching all feed jaw strain. Small, practical adjustments to how you sit and hold your jaw often make a real difference between visits.
Education you can use
Understanding what is driving your symptoms — and what to do when a flare-up happens — is a large part of lasting relief. You leave each session knowing your next step.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment is unhurried. Urvashi listens to your history, examines how your jaw and neck move, and explains what she finds in plain language. You will begin treatment that same visit and leave with a clear plan and a few things to practice at home. With more than ten years of experience and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification, care is tailored to you rather than pulled from a template.
Ready to ease your jaw pain?
Contact the Reseda clinicCommon questions about TMJ therapy
Do I need a doctor's referral for TMJ physical therapy?
In California you can be evaluated and begin physical therapy without a physician's referral. Some insurance plans still require one for coverage, so it is worth checking with your provider before your first visit.
How many sessions will I need for jaw pain?
It varies with the cause and how long symptoms have been present. Many people notice a meaningful change within a handful of visits, and your plan is reviewed at each session and adjusted to your progress.
Is TMJ physical therapy painful?
Treatment is gentle and guided by your comfort. Hands-on techniques and exercises are kept within a tolerable range, and your therapist adjusts based on your feedback throughout the session.
Can physical therapy help jaw clicking and headaches?
Jaw clicking, facial tension, and tension-type headaches often relate to the muscles and joints that move the jaw and support the neck. Physical therapy addresses those areas directly, which can reduce symptoms for many patients.