Included in the Evaluation:

1.Comprehensive Health History & Fascial System Review

• Client Intake: Gather a full history of:
*Dental work (orthodontics, surgeries, appliances)
*History of jaw trauma, clenching/grinding, facial injuries *Symptoms such as jaw pain, neck pain, tension headaches Sleep quality, breathing patterns, and chronic oral habits (e.g., nail biting, mouth breathing, gum chewing)
• Fascial Considerations: Educate on how restrictions in the fascial system, especially through the neck, jaw, and head can influence posture, muscular tension, and jaw mobility.

2. TMJ Anatomy & Functional Overview: Review the structure and motion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including:
• Key structures: Mandibular condyle, articular disc, temporal bone
• Involved musculature: Masseter, temporalis, medial/lateral pterygoids, digastric, suprahyoid group, platysma
• Movement patterns: Observe and assess opening/closing, lateral movement, and protrusion. Note quality, smoothness, and presence of deviation or asymmetry.

3. Neuromuscular Influences on TMJ Function: Identify muscular habits and patterns that may contribute to dysfunction:
• Low or forward tongue posture Open-mouth rest posture or lip incompetence.
• Chronic overuse of accessory muscles (e.g., SCM, mentalis, platysma)
• Muscle tension patterns originating from neck and upper thoracic structures.
• Evidence of tethered or restricted soft tissue affecting mobility (to be referred out for further evaluation if needed)

4. Range of Motion & Muscle Assessment
• Measure Functional ROM:
*Track measurements of: Mouth opening (comfortable vs. max).
*Lateral excursion (side to side)
*Jaw protrusion
•Muscle Mapping:
Note any:
*Trigger points or tenderness
*Restrictions or hypertonicity
*Imbalance between sides

5. Review of Treatment Plan & Home Education
• Manual Therapy Objectives:
*Reduce muscular hypertonicity
*Improve fascial glide and circulation
*Restore neuromuscular coordination of jaw movements
• Therapist-Guided Home Program May Include:
*Self-massage techniques for jaw and neck.
*Postural awareness (jaw rest position, relaxed tongue position).
*Gentle breathing retraining (nasal, diaphragmatic focus).
*Movement-based cues to discourage clenching and bracing patterns.
•Collaboration & Referral Network: When appropriate, coordinate with dentists, ENTs, bodyworkers, or other professionals for integrated care (e.g., orthodontic support, airway concerns, myofunctional therapy, etc.)

TMJology strives to offer several options to address the needs for as many patients as possible. Not sure where to start? Schedule your free 30-minute program consultation to review your symptoms. From there, we will make the decision together about the program that will best fit your needs. The evaluation can be completed by phone or Zoom.

During this Lunch & Learn, TMJology shows your team how our services such as TMJ and intraoral massage, full-body integrated manual therapy, neuromuscular therapy, self guided programs and mentorships can benefit your existing practice.