In this Clinical Relevance video, I break down a powerful case study on TMJ dysfunction—how targeted dry needling resolved eight years of jaw pain, clicking, and locking. Watch the full video above to see the treatment in action and the science behind it.

The Patient: 8 Years of TMJ Pain & Failed Treatments

A physical therapist attending our IDN course presented with:
✅ Chronic TMJ pain since high school
✅ Jaw clicking, popping, and intermittent locking (worsened by getting him by an elbow in the face)
✅ Ear pain and grinding sounds with movement
✅ Failed treatments: Bite splints (chewed through) and conventional therapies

The Dry Needling Protocol: Targeting the Root Cause

Our focus: Neuromuscular rebalancing—addressing hypertonic muscles and faulty movement patterns.

🔹 Key Targets:

• Medial/Lateral Pterygoids – Released tension causing jaw deviation
• Masseter & Temporalis – Reduced overactivity from chronic clenching
• Auriculotemporal Nerve – Alleviated ear pain & TMJ sensitivity

🔹 Technique:

• Single-needle insertions with gentle rotation to stimulate neurological reset
• No aggressive manipulation or “twitching”—just precise, controlled needling

Immediate Results

✅ Reduced grinding and clicking during jaw movement
✅ Improved neuromuscular control—smoother, faster jaw motion
✅ Resolved ear pain after targeting the auriculotemporal nerve

Why It Worked: The Science Behind Dry Needling for TMJ

TMJ dysfunction isn’t just structural—it’s neuromuscular. Dry needling helps by:
✔ Resetting Hypertonic Muscles – Eases excessive tension in the masseter and temporalis
✔ Calming Nerve Sensitivity – Targets the trigeminal nerve to reduce neurogenic inflammation
✔ Restoring Joint Mechanics – Improves muscle coordination for better movement

Key Insight: Even with a displaced disc, restoring neuromuscular balance can eliminate pain and clicking—no splint required.

Long-Term Results & Self-Care

While results were immediate, some residual clenching and irregular movement returned days later. Critical lessons emerged:
🔹 Consistency Matters – The patient continued self-needling (with guidance) to maintain progress
🔹 Neuromuscular Balance > Splints – Treating muscle/nerve dysfunction reduces reliance on oral devices
🔹 A 360° Approach Works Best – Addressing the entire joint ensures lasting improvement

Clinical Takeaways for Practitioners

💡 Look Beyond the Joint – TMJ issues often involve cervical nerves & systemic inflammation
💡 Start Superficial – Gentle needling can make a big impact without discomfort
💡 Track Functional Changes – Assess jaw mobility, pain provocation & muscle tone post-treatment

The Bigger Picture

This case isn’t just about TMJ—it’s about neuromuscular balance. Whether treating knees, shoulders, or hips, the principles remain the same:
🔹 Reduce hypertonicity
🔹 Reset nerve sensitivity
🔹 Restore coordinated movement

📺 Watch the full video above to see the techniques in action!

💬 Have you used dry needling for TMJ dysfunction? Share your experiences below!

#dryneedling #IDN #TMJ #neurologicdryneedling #TMD #facialpain #neuromuscularbalance