Craniofacial Physical Therapy FAQs
Craniofacial Physical Therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the skull (cranium), facial structures, and the neck (cervical spine). This specialization aims to understand the intricate relationships between these anatomical structures, particularly in how they affect each other in terms of position, movement, and pain patterns. Treatment plans typically include a blend of manual techniques, tailored exercises, and lots of patient education.
A craniofacial specialist has advanced training in understanding the complex interplay between the head, face, neck, and jaw. Conditions in these areas can be highly complicated and may require specialized manual techniques and exercise plans for effective treatment. Because these areas are interconnected, a problem in one—like jaw dysfunction—can lead to issues in another, such as neck pain.
This can also lead to secondary symptoms like headaches, caused by nerve compression in the upper cervical spine. A specialist can offer targeted treatment that takes these complexities into account.
We are not part of any insurance network, which frees us from the limitations that insurance plans often place on treatment times and techniques. This allows us to provide in-depth, one-on-one care for each patient. While we don’t accept insurance, you can use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for treatment. Some insurance companies will allow you to submit for out of network physical therapy coverage.
We commonly treat a range of issues including:
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): Issues affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
- Headaches: Often arising from muscle tension or nerve compression.
- Lock Jaw with Muscular Dysfunction and possible Disc Displacement: Severe forms of jaw problems.
- Facial Pain: Varies from nerve-related to muscle-related pain.
- Neck Pain or Cervical Dysfunction: Issues affecting the neck’s mobility and comfort.
- Instability of Cervical Spine or TMJ: Weakness or lack of support in the neck or jaw structures.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of nerves and blood vessels near the collarbone (clavicle) and 1st rib.
- Chronic Myofascial Pain Conditions: Ongoing muscle and connective tissue pain.
- Jaw Pain: General discomfort or pain in the jaw area.
We employ a range of advanced techniques, including:
- Specialized Manual Therapy: These are hands-on techniques designed to improve movement and function, often involving advanced joint glides and soft tissue mobilizations for the TMJ and cervical spine.
- Myofascial Release: hands-on technique that involves applying sustained gentle pressure into the myofascial (muscles and fascia) tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore movement.
- Integrative Dry Needling: A dry needling method that targets the source and site of pain to reduce inflammation and tissue tension and promote tissue repair.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: This includes teaching proper head, neck, and jaw movement patterns, postural corrections, and promoting proper mechanics during daily activities. This promotes long term relief and self-management strategies for lasting results.


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Therapy Services

Craniofacial Physical Therapy
Advanced joint mobilizations and soft tissue releases for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), Cervical Spine, and Thoracic Spine.

TMJ
Therapy
Therapy to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint disorders. We provide effective techniques to improve jaw function and overall quality of life.

Vestibular
Therapy
Restore stability, reduce dizziness, and improve your quality of life. We offer holistic, evidence-based treatments designed to provide long-term relief from vertigo and balance disorders.

Myofascial
Release
Myofascial release utilizes a gently applied pressure for a slow release of fascial restrictions to allow for more lasting results of increased mobility, reduced pain, and improved function.

Integrative Dry Needling
Integrative dry needling utilizes a unique approach to treat both the area of symptoms (trigger points) and the source of the dysfunction especially along nerve pathways.

Individualized Program
Based on a thorough assessment of your movement patterns, source of pain/dysfunction, and your goals, we will devise an individualized therapeutic exercise program.

Request Free Phone Consultation
Request a free 15 minute phone consultation to help us learn about the condition or issues you are experiencing and find out how you could benefit from our services .





