TMJ and Jaw Pain Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Your jaw hurts when you chew, talk, or wake up.
Your jaw clicks, pops, or locks. It aches after meals or first thing in the morning. You may get headaches, ear pain, or a tight neck along with it. You've tried a night guard, soft foods, and pain relievers, and it still won't settle down.
You deserve more than baseline care. You deserve a provider you can trust, and results that actually last.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
Jaw problems we treat
TMJ and TMD (jaw joint and muscle pain)
Jaw clicking, popping, and locking
Pain with chewing, talking, or opening wide
Headaches and neck pain linked to the jaw
Jaw tension from clenching or grinding
Jaw pain after dental work or injury
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. The jaw, neck, and posture are closely connected, so we assess all three. Then we explain what's driving your pain in clear, simple language, and we're happy to work with your dentist.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care for the jaw and neck, dry needling, and simple exercises you can do at home, so you have tools to calm flare-ups on your own.
What to expect
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often much sooner. But getting out of pain is only the start. Our custom plans of care average about 3 months, with one goal: keeping you out of pain and performing at your highest potential.
What our clients say
"I have suffered with chronic TMJ and neck pain for 5 years. Physical therapy helped but it wasn't until visiting Dave's Chardon Performance Therapy where I genuinely started to see my life changing for the better."
Kenzie H. ★★★★★
"I experience TMJ and have for a couple of years now, I went in for one session so far with Dave and he showed me techniques to do at home, not only in the office and it has helped immensely!"
Morgan L. ★★★★★
"They have helped me with shoulder/neck/jaw pain that was causing constant debilitating migraines… now minimally reoccurring and manageable."
Melissa R. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, jaw pain can spread into headaches, neck pain, and poor sleep. You don't have to keep living around it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
How long until my jaw feels better?
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often sooner. Plans of care average about 3 months, so you stay out of pain and come back stronger.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Do you work with dentists?
Yes. If you have a night guard or are seeing a dentist for TMJ, we're happy to coordinate so your care works together.
Can physical therapy help jaw clicking?
Often, yes. Clicking without pain isn't always a problem, but when it comes with pain or locking, improving jaw and neck movement and control can help.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If your jaw is locked open or closed, your face is swollen with a fever, or you have jaw pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating, get medical care right away. Jaw pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart problem.
More jaw and neck help: Deep Cervical Flexor Training #1 (video) · Deep Cervical Flexor Training #2 (video) · Thoracic Spine Mobility for Rounded Shoulders (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.