TMJ Therapy at Phelps & Cohen

Functional Alignment. Comfortable Breathing. Lasting Results.

Gentle, non-surgical solutions for TMJ pain, headaches, and facial tension.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

Do you wake up with jaw pain or tension? Struggle with headaches, clenching, or clicking sounds in your jaw? You may be living with TMD and not even know it.

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the small but powerful hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. When inflamed, misaligned, or overworked, they can trigger widespread symptoms throughout the head, neck, face, and other parts of the body.

This dysfunction is called TMD (temporomandibular disorder) and it’s more common than most people realize.

Are You Living With Undiagnosed TMD?

Many patients come to us after years of unexplained discomfort, not realizing their jaw is the root cause. If any of the following symptoms feel familiar, it may be time to evaluate your TMJs:

TMD symptoms often masquerade as unrelated health concerns. We look deeper to find the true source.

Headaches and migraines


Facial or eye pain

Jaw popping, clicking, or locking


Neck and shoulder tension

Pain while chewing, yawning, or speaking

Dizziness or balance issues

Ear pressure, fullness, or ringing

Narrow Clenching or grinding teeth

TMJ dysfunction isn’t just about the joint—it’s about how your entire system works together. We’ve seen patients with facial pain, migraines, and even posture issues find lasting relief once we identified and treated the real cause: TMD.

 — Dr. Eric Phelps

Our TMJ Diagnostics Include:

CBCT

Joint Vibration Analysis

Rhinometry

Pharyngometry

Sleep Study

This allows us to pinpoint not just the problem—but its root cause.

TMJ Therapy

1

Stabilize the Joint

We often begin with a custom-fitted oral orthotic that decompresses the joint and relieves pressure. These appliances are worn part-time or full-time depending on the diagnosis.

2

Address the Airway

If your imaging or symptoms indicate airway dysfunction, we collaborate with ENT or sleep specialists to reduce obstruction and improve nighttime breathing. A restricted airway often forces the jaw muscles into chronic strain.

3

Restore Muscle Balance


We integrate myofunctional therapy to retrain oral and facial muscles and improve resting posture. In some cases, physical therapy or posture work is recommended to support cervical alignment and long-term joint stability.

Our Treatment Protocols: Personalized, Phased, Proven

No two TMD cases are the same. That’s why our approach is customized and often delivered in phases based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and root cause.

Depending on your needs, your treatment may include:

Custom Orthotic Appliance Therapy


Removable or fixed appliances designed to stabilize and decompress the joint.



CBCT-Guided Joint Positioning


Using 3D imaging to precisely assess condyle and disc alignment.


Myofunctional Therapy


Exercises to improve tongue posture, nasal breathing, and muscle balance.

Expansion or Orthopedic Support

When skeletal structure or jaw development contributes to dysfunction.

Airway Co-Management

In collaboration with ENT and sleep physicians to reduce clenching triggers.

Postural Integration & Physical Therapy


Addressing body alignment to support long-term joint and muscle function.


Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustments


Hands-on, doctor-led refinement based on clinical response and new data.

Surgical Collaboration When Needed


In severe or non-responsive cases, we coordinate with trusted surgeons. Surgery is only considered after thorough diagnostics and conservative care.


This is not one-size-fits-all care — it’s a structured, adaptable pathway built to resolve the root cause and restore total wellbeing.

A Cross-Functional Team, Working for You

TMD rarely exists in isolation. Our care model is built on collaboration.

We work closely with:

  • ENTs to evaluate structural airway issues
  • Sleep physicians to assess sleep-disordered breathing
  • Myofunctional therapists for muscle retraining and tongue posture
  • Physical therapists for postural balance and musculoskeletal support
  • Oral & maxillofacial surgeons when surgical insight is required

This ensures every aspect of your case is understood — and addressed.

Let’s Get to the Root Cause of Your Jaw Pain

If you’re tired of temporary fixes or unexplained symptoms, we’re here to help you find answers—and real relief.

Call us at 408-298-3433 or click below to schedule a consultation.

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