Condition Pain Condition Benchmarked

TMJ / Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction affecting jaw movement and causing facial pain. Assessment targets cervical mobility, thoracic posture, forward head posture contribution, and stress-related bruxism indicators.

Clinical note: TMJ dysfunction often has a stress and anxiety component. Breathing retraining and postural correction address the musculoskeletal contribution. Dental and psychological co-management may be needed.
6
ROM Tests
3
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
4
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Cervical Flexion Extension
2 Cervical Lateral Flexion
3 Cervical Axial Rotation
4 Thoracic Extension
5 Shoulder Horizontal Abduction
6 Diaphragmatic Assessment

Risk Factors Assessed

Cervical Flexion Extension
Cervical Lateral Flexion
Thoracic Extension
Diaphragmatic Assessment

Expected Timeline

6-12 weeks for postural component, ongoing for stress-related bruxism

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tmj / jaw pain be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 6-12 weeks for postural component, ongoing for stress-related bruxism. The protocol includes 3 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for tmj / jaw pain?
The protocol assesses Cervical Flexion Extension, Cervical Lateral Flexion, Cervical Axial Rotation, Thoracic Extension. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is tmj / jaw pain the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the TMJ / Jaw Pain protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the TMJ / Jaw Pain protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your TMJ / Jaw Pain assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

Apply for Assessment

Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Pain Condition
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
3
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
4
Timeline
6-12 weeks for postural component, ongoing for stress-related bruxism
Free Pain Assessment

Take our 2-minute quiz to identify your pain patterns and get a personalized correction plan.

Related Condition Protocols

Upper Back Pain (Thoracic)

Pain between the shoulder blades or in the mid-back region. Assessment targets thoracic mobility, scapular positioning, cervical contribution, breathing patterns, and postural endurance.

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Pain at the lateral epicondyle from overuse of wrist extensors, particularly ECRB. Assessment covers wrist extensor loading tolerance, grip strength, radial head mobility, and cervical screening for referred pain.

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Excessive anterior rotation of the pelvis increasing lumbar lordosis. Driven by hip flexor shortening, weak glutes, altered breathing patterns, and rib cage position dysfunction. Common in sedentary populations and lifters who skip glute activation work.

Genu Varum (Bow Legs)

Lateral bowing of the lower extremity with increased lateral compartment loading. Driven by ITB tension, hip adductor weakness, ankle inversion dominance, and lateral chain tightness. Can be structural (tibial varum) or functional (muscle imbalance).

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Assessment and management of pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, and pelvic pain. Covers breathing-pelvic floor coordination, core canister function, and graduated return to impact and load.

Hypermobility (Generalized)

Generalized joint hypermobility (Beighton score 4+) requiring stability-first programming. Assessment identifies which joints are hypermobile, screens for connective tissue disorder indicators, and builds strength within available range rather than stretching.