Condition Descriptions
A convenient list of these conditions with links to these descriptions can be found on our “Conditions” page. Note: Work in progress
Rotator Cuff Issues
What is Rotator Cuff Pathology?
Rotator cuff pathology refers to problems affecting the group of muscles and tendons that help move and stabilize your shoulder. These muscles and tendons form the “rotator cuff,” which keeps the ball of your upper arm bone centered in the shoulder socket and allows you to lift, reach, and rotate your arm.
What Can Go Wrong?
Over time, or after an injury, the rotator cuff can become irritated, strained, or torn. These issues can develop from overuse (especially with repetitive overhead movements), poor posture, natural wear and tear with age, or trauma like a fall or lifting something too heavy.
Common Types of Problems Include:
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often from overuse
Impingement: The tendons get pinched between bones during movement
Partial or Full-Thickness Tears: Small or complete tears in the tendons, either from injury or degeneration over time
Common Symptoms:
Pain in the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
Weakness in the arm
Trouble sleeping on the affected side
Limited range of motion or a “catching” feeling with movement
Why It Matters:
If left untreated, rotator cuff problems can get worse and make everyday tasks—like getting dressed, reaching for a shelf, or carrying groceries—painful and difficult.
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Physical therapy can reduce pain, restore strength, and improve mobility. Treatment often includes:
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
Manual techniques to reduce tightness and improve movement
Posture training
Education on how to avoid further strain
In more severe cases, other treatments like injections or surgery may be needed—but many people improve with physical therapy alone.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
What is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, refers to problems with the jaw joint and the muscles around it. This joint connects your lower jaw to the side of your head, and it’s what allows you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and even yawn. When something goes wrong with how this joint or the surrounding muscles work, it can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with jaw movement.
Why Does It Happen?
The jaw joint is a complex structure that needs to move smoothly and evenly. If the joint becomes irritated, if the disc inside the joint shifts out of place, or if the muscles become tight or overworked, it can lead to TMD. Things like clenching your teeth, grinding at night, poor posture, or even stress can put extra strain on the jaw and cause symptoms to develop.
Who is Most Affected?
TMD is most common in:
Adults between the ages of 20 and 40
Women (they tend to be affected more often than men)
People who are under a lot of stress or who grind their teeth
Common Symptoms:
Pain or soreness in the jaw, face, or around the ear
Clicking, popping, or locking when opening or closing the mouth
Trouble opening the mouth wide
Headaches or neck aches
A tired feeling in the jaw after chewing
Feeling like your bite is “off” or doesn’t line up right
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapists can play a big role in helping people manage and recover from TMD. Our goals are to reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and fix any posture or muscle issues that are contributing to the problem.
Treatment might include:
Hands-on techniques to relax tight jaw muscles or gently move the jaw to improve how it works
Stretches and exercises to strengthen and improve control of the jaw and neck
Posture training to reduce stress on the jaw, especially if you tend to slouch or hold your head forward
Tips for daily habits, like how to avoid clenching your teeth, better sleeping positions, and ways to reduce stress on your jaw
Relaxation techniques to help manage stress or jaw tension
Other Treatment Options (Often Combined with PT):
Mouth guards or splints, made by a dentist, to prevent grinding or take pressure off the jaw
Medications like pain relievers or muscle relaxers
Counseling or stress management for those whose symptoms are linked to anxiety or habits like clenching
Injections, such as Botox, for severe muscle tightness
Surgery, in rare cases where nothing else helps