Do I need a referral from my dentist?

In Florida you can see a physical therapist directly for the first 30 days of treatment. A dentist or physician referral isn't required up front, and we're happy to coordinate with your dental or medical team when it helps.

Will physical therapy fix jaw clicking?

Clicking can often be reduced or made painless, though not every click goes away. Our goal is pain-free, functional jaw movement — not a specific sound.

Is this covered by insurance?

We are an out-of-network provider. We'll provide a superbill after each session that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. HSA/FSA cards are accepted.

How long does TMJ care usually take?

It varies, but many patients notice meaningful change within a few sessions. Dr. Thornton will give you a realistic timeline after the evaluation.

TMJ & Jaw Pain

Relief from TMJ and jaw pain.

One-on-one physical therapy in Sarasota for jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches linked to TMJ dysfunction — with a plan built around you.

Book Your Evaluation Call 941-203-5305

Jaw pain is often more than a jaw problem. The temporomandibular joint is tied into the muscles of the face, neck, and upper back, and what's happening at your posture, breathing pattern, and neck can feed directly into how the jaw feels. Our TMJ program is designed to assess the whole picture, address the drivers, and give you practical things to do between sessions.

Who this is for

People with jaw pain, clicking, popping, or locking
Patients experiencing tension-type headaches along with jaw symptoms
People referred by a dentist or ENT for conservative care
Anyone whose jaw gets worse with stress, clenching, or long computer days

Common issues we help with

Jaw pain and tenderness

Tight jaw muscles, trigger points, and neck tension often drive the pain. We address each layer rather than treating the jaw in isolation.

Clicking, popping, or locking

These symptoms can often be improved with manual therapy, specific movement retraining, and postural work. Some cases benefit from coordinated care with your dentist.

Headaches linked to the jaw and neck

Many tension-type and cervicogenic headache patterns respond well to a combined jaw, neck, and posture approach.

Pain with chewing, talking, or yawning

We work on restoring pain-free, symmetric jaw movement so daily function isn't a constant reminder of the problem.

What a TMJ evaluation looks like

Your first visit is 60 minutes of one-on-one care. Dr. Thornton takes a detailed history, examines the jaw directly, and looks at the related regions — neck, upper back, and posture.

Jaw joint and muscle assessment

Careful evaluation of jaw range of motion, deviation patterns, clicking, and the muscles of mastication.

Cervical and postural screen

The neck and upper back feed directly into the jaw. We assess mobility, strength, and posture drivers that could be contributing.

Hands-on manual therapy

Gentle, targeted manual techniques for the jaw and surrounding tissues, combined with education on what's safe to do at home.

A personalized Plan of Care

Clear on what we found, what we'll work on, and when to loop in your dentist, ENT, or physician if needed.

Why patients choose Peak Swing

Specialized training in TMJ and orofacial pain
One-on-one 60-minute sessions — not a 15-minute squeeze-in
Coordination with your dentist or physician when appropriate
Clear home program so progress continues between visits

“I'd dealt with jaw pain and daily headaches for years. After working together, I'm sleeping better and can eat a meal without bracing for pain.”

— Sarasota patient

Frequently asked questions

Ready for jaw pain relief?

Book a 60-minute TMJ evaluation with Dr. Tonia Thornton, DPT.