TMJ Disorder Support
Myofunctional therapy for the muscle, posture, and habit drivers of jaw pain — alongside your dentist, orthodontist, or physical therapist. Dallas, TX and online nationwide.
The Muscle-and-Posture Side of TMJ Pain
TMJ disorders are rarely caused by one thing. Bite alignment, joint mechanics, stress, and structural anatomy all play a role — and so do the muscle patterns that you repeat thousands of times a day. As a Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM), Laura Friedman focuses on the postural and habitual drivers that other providers may not address directly.
Tongue Resting Posture
A low or forward tongue position pulls the jaw out of alignment over time. Retraining the tongue to rest on the palate reduces the mechanical load on the TMJ.
Swallowing Pattern
A correct swallow uses the tongue, not the cheek and lip muscles. Tongue-thrust swallowing — over thousands of swallows a day — strains the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Habit Elimination
Clenching, grinding, nail biting, lip biting, and gum chewing all overuse the jaw. We identify and unwind the habits that keep symptoms flaring.
Coordinated Care
TMJ disorders are often multi-factorial. We collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, physical therapists, and ENTs so the muscle-side work fits into your overall care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious whether myofunctional therapy fits your TMJ plan?
A free consultation gives us a chance to look at what's contributing — the posture, the habits, the swallowing pattern — and tell you honestly whether this piece is worth adding to your care.