Assessment and treatment of TMJ muscles, fascia, ligaments, and associated structures

The primary goal of temporomandibular joint therapy is to establish normal physiologic tension of the muscles, fascia, ligaments, and associated soft tissue structures. Because of pathologic sprain and strain patterns in the TMJ structures, the patient may exhibit pain and dysfunction due to tissue tightness, disk displacement, and occlusal discrepancies. This article presents an effective clinical technique to assess and relieve the sprain and strain in the TMJ muscles, fascia, ligaments, and associated structures to restore normal physiology.