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Headaches, TMJ, Facial Pain and Concussion

Headaches, TMJ, and facial pain are often rooted in the combination of three areas of the body that need to work well together for you to be pain-free—jaw/bite, upper neck, and the craniofacial (head and facial bones) system.

What sets Manual Edge apart from other physical therapists is our expertise in Cranial Mobilization. This technique requires advanced, specialized training and is a very gentle, hands-on therapy that uses light pressure to help release tension in the bones and soft tissues of the head, face, and jaw. By easing restrictions in these areas, it can improve nerve function and support the natural flow of fluids around the brain and nervous system.

Cranial mobilization is non-invasive, pain-free, and safe for all ages, making it a calming and effective option for relieving tension and improving overall comfort. This treatment distinguishes Manual Edge from other clinics providing cranial therapy and is highly effective in treating concussion, headaches, migraines, jaw (TMJ) pain, sinus congestion, and dizziness.

TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder, refers to pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. TMD is very common; more than 10 million people in the United States have it. TMD can be caused by:

  • Head, facial, or neck trauma. Most people with TMD have a history of head, facial, or neck trauma that hasn’t been effectively treated. This causes strain on the muscles, disc, and ligaments of the TMJ.
  • Chronic jaw clenching at night (“bruxism”). Many people clench their jaws at night while they sleep, usually because of stress. This puts a strain on the TMJ because of the constant strain on the joint and surrounding muscles.
  • Problems with teeth alignment (“malocclusion”). If your teeth come together in an unusual way, greater stress is placed on your TMJ.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Your physical therapist can help restore the natural movement of your jaw and decrease your pain by selecting treatments that will work best for you. Manual Edge also works closely with select TMD dentists and specialists to provide coordinated care. Treatments used by physical therapists for TMD include:

  • Posture education. Your therapist will teach you to be aware of your posture so that you can improve the resting position of your jaw, head, and neck.
  • Improve jaw movement. Your Manual Edge therapist will use Cranial Mobilization and manual therapy to increase movement and relieve pain in the bones of the face that control the nerves connecting to your jaw. Your therapist also might use manual therapy to mobilize the jaw in order to restore normal joint and muscle flexibility.

Your physical therapist will teach you special exercises to restore more natural, pain-free motion.

Maintaining good sitting posture is key to preventing TMJ problems. Your physical therapist will show you how to maintain good sitting posture to prevent future episodes of TMD.

How do I know if TMJ Therapy is right for me?

You might benefit from physical therapy if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Jaw pain
  • Difficulty opening your mouth to eat or talk
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Headache
  • Popping sounds in your jaw
  • Neck pain
  • Locking jaw
  • Facial pain
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
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Manual Edge Physiotherapy

What makes us different... makes us better!

Private Rooms & Expert Physical Therapists

Experience open communication and confidence with a private room and your expert Physical Therapist’s full attention for every visit.

Be Known - Not Just a Number

No two patients are alike—and neither is their care. Your PT will create a plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Hands-On, Collaborative Care

With Manual Therapy, we can isolate problem areas to restore mobility and pain-free function. Ongoing in-house training and consultation ensure cutting-edge treatment backed by a team of experts.

Headaches, TMJ, and Facial Pain Treatment Locations

Colorado Springs

6189 Lehman Drive
#202
Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Monument

1840 Woodmoor Drive
106
Monument, CO 80132
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 45-55 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. A staff member takes you to a private treatment room. You can change clothes if you need to, and then your therapist joins you to begin therapy.
    3. Your therapist uses hands-on manual therapy techniques to decrease pain and improve range-of motion and flexibility.
    4. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches with the guidance of your therapist. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    5. We can initiate other techniques to include taping, cupping, neurostim, biofeedback, laser, and dry needling as needed.
    6. Your therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.

  • We recommend budgeting 45-55 minutes for a typical therapy session. We also recommend showing up about 30 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

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Ready to reclaim your life? Manual Edge is here to help.

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