TMJ Therapy

  • Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, release muscle tension, and reduce pain
  • Postural Correction – Targeted exercises and education to improve posture, helping relieve strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles
  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Movements to increase flexibility and strengthen supporting muscles in the neck and jaw
  • Heat and Cold Therapy – Modalities to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing
  • Behavioral Education – Strategies to reduce habits such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding, often tied to stress or poor posture

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy is a conservative, evidence-based treatment option for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). It can help relieve pain, improve jaw mobility, and enhance overall function. At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we use a personalized combination of techniques designed to reduce symptoms and address the root causes of TMJ dysfunction, including:

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, Dr. Karen Merritt PT, DPT treats temporomandibular disorders.


The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, engaged throughout the day during essential activities like chewing, talking, swallowing, yawning, and expressing emotion.

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including dysfunction of the TMJ. This joint connects your jawbone to your skull, and when it becomes irritated or misaligned, it can lead to significant discomfort and disruption to your daily life.


Insurance and Payment Information

Due to the limitations of insurance coverage for TMD/TMJ-specific diagnostic codes, these services are not covered by most insurance plans. As a result, TMJ physical therapy at Dynamic Physical Therapy is offered as a self pay / cash-based service. We are committed to providing clear, upfront pricing and will work with you to ensure the care you receive is both effective and delivered with the highest level of attention and care.

Get Relief Today

If you're experiencing symptoms of TMJ dysfunction or chronic jaw pain, don’t wait to find relief. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Karen Merritt, who has received advanced, specialized training in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders under the guidance of Michael Karegeannes, PT, MHSc, LAT, MTC, CFC, CCTT, CMTPT, a nationally recognized expert in musculoskeletal and manual therapy.  Through this training, Karen has learned a variety of effective physical therapy techniques, including manual therapy, postural correction, and muscle release strategies.

Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

  • Jaw pain or tenderness, especially while chewing
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw
  • Limited jaw movement or difficulty opening the mouth fully
  • Headaches
  • Neck or throat pain
  • Earaches or hearing loss
  • Tooth sensitivity or pain
  • Facial pain or tension

44651 Village Court Suite 120 Palm Desert, CA 92260​

760-501-6655


Dynamic Physical Therapy : an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic. 

​Serving the Coachella Valley and cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Indio.