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TMJ palpation intraoral performed by physical therapist

TMJ Treatment

June 22, 2026January 16, 2023 by Robin

Treatment of your TMJ Disorder involves a multifactorial approach. We work with your dentist or surgeon, as applicable. Our goal is to achieve pain relief as soon as possible, and then to restore normal motion, relaxation, and posture to prevent recurrence of your symptoms. Saunders physical therapists specialize in TMJ disorder treatment – choosing Saunders means you will be treated by an experienced professional.

The Saunders TMJ Treatment Philosophy

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: We look at your posture and its potential contribution to TMJ dysfunction. We often discover muscle imbalances of the jaw and neck. We perform a biomechanical evaluation of the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine and craniofacial region. We inquire about habits that can contribute to symptoms, including jaw clenching or grinding the teeth.

Treatment: Treatment may include manual therapy such as joint mobilization and myofascial release techniques. Neuromuscular re-education also plays a large role to improve muscle imbalances and decrease strain on the TMJ and cervical spine.

We may use therapeutic modalities such as iontophoresis or ultrasound. Instruction in diet and habit modification is important to decrease irritation to the tissues. Finally, we help you independently manage symptoms through a home exercise program.

It is common for people with TMJ disorders to also have neck problems. Spinal dysfunction affects the mechanics of the TMJ and correction of posture and spinal joint and muscle imbalances is often key to TMJ pain or headache relief. At Saunders Therapy Centers, we provide a thorough evaluation of the head, neck, and jaw to identify the source of your symptoms. Using this information, we create a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, improving function, and helping you return to your daily activities.

Work Ready for Brain Injury Program

June 12, 2026December 27, 2022 by Robin

After extensive rehabilitation, are you at a plateau, struggling to perform work activities or figure out next steps for return to work?

At Saunders, we provide a supportive, structured environment where we gradually expose you to the common stressors people with brain injury encounter in the work environment. These can include difficulty with light or sound, visual disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and physical challenges.

Regain Function and Return to Work with Saunders!

Saunders Therapy Centers’ Work Ready Program is just like our Work Hardening program – but adapted for you. We progress at your own pace, and address the specific challenges you might be facing with sensory or task sequencing problems.

What Can I Expect?

At Saunders, your program will be CUSTOMIZED. We perform a 2-hour, comprehensive evaluation to determine your strength, function, and readiness for work. We then work WITH YOU to determine the ideal program.

We gradually increase exposure to those frustrating combination of circumstances that are getting in the way of returning to work. The activities you’ll do, the length and duration of each session, and the overall length of the program will be unique for your circumstances.

We know it’s hard to increase physical stamina if you’re struggling to tolerate light or sound.

How Often Do I Attend Work Hardening? How Long is Each Session?

The goal of Work Hardening is to simulate the intensity of real work. Therefore, your program will usually increase from a minimum of 2 hours per session, up to a...

How Long is a Typical Work Hardening Program?

Your Work Hardening team works with YOU to identify goals and barriers and develop a comprehensive plan to help get you back to work. In some cases, a short 2-3...

Work Hardening – What Exactly Will I Do?

Most people who are referred for Work Hardening have physical barriers that prevent them from reaching their work goals. Examples of these are stiffness, weakness, poor balance, or poor endurance....

What is the Work Hardening Evaluation?

Before beginning the program, each client participates in a 2-hour evaluation. We obtain a thorough injury history, work history, psychosocial screening and baseline functional assessment covering lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying,...

Realistic, Experienced, Non-Biased, Compassionate Treatment

work hardening client reaching overhead with knot-tying exercise

work hardening client performing plumber simulation with pipe wrench

work hardening client grasping cardboard box

work hardening client performing warehouse simulation material handling

work hardening client using wrench to tighten unistrut

work hardening client squatting to lift bread crates for job simulation

work hardening client using handtruck to move materials up stairs

therapist working with patient and another patient on treadmill nearby

flight attendant client simulating putting suitcase in overhead bin

flight attendant client simulating beverage service

various people working out in Saunders Therapy Centers gym

occupational therapist assisting client with advanced ball exercise

occupational therapist encouraging client during work simulation as plumber

occupational therapist chatting with smiling client carrying box

work hardening client assembling structure with unistrut using wrench

Occupational therapist teaching shoulder rotation exercise in gym

physical therapist and firefighter practicing patient transport in gym

physical therapist explaining body mechanics techniques to firefighter

occupational therapist checking exercise technique in gym

physical therapist assistant encouraging a happy patient in gym

physical therapist chatting with patient doing exercise

physical therapist assistant helping with sit-to-stand exercise

occupational therapist testing shoulder strength

occupational therapist teaching lifting technique

occupational therapist chatting with client performing material handling exercises

occupational therapist palpating upper back muscles during patient exercise

physical therapist assistant helping client perform exercise with dumbells

Meet the Team

December 11, 2024December 7, 2022 by Robin

Our Expert Clinicians

Cat Ballou, PTA

Bloomington Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs Orthopedics

Katie Harris, DPT

Maple Grove Office Bloomington Office Orthopedics Pelvic Health

Kristina Sicora, COTA/L

Saint Paul Office Industrial Rehab Work Hardening Programs

Michaela Nielsen, COTA/L

Maple Grove Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs

Cyndi Mueller, OTR/L

Saint Paul Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs Functional Capacity Evaluation

Claire Hinke, OTR/L

Saint Paul Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs Functional Capacity Evaluation

Joey Faulds, DPT

Maple Grove Office Orthopedics, Industrial Rehabilitation, Work Hardening, Functional Capacity Evaluation

Jenna Magsam, PTA

Maple Grove Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs Orthopedics

Chelsea Kellum, PTA

Maple Grove Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Orthopedics

Megan Fritsch, OTR/L

Functional Capacity Evaluation Work Hardening Programs

Cole Burns, OTR/L

Maple Grove Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs Functional Capacity Evaluation

Stacy Gonzalez, PTA

Bloomington Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs Orthopedics

Jason Hokkanen, COTA/L

Maple Grove Office Industrial Rehabilitation Work Hardening Programs

Lisa Martens, PT, DPT, OCS

Saint Paul Office Orthopedics, Sports Injury Pelvic Health Clinical Mentor

Our Wonderful Administrative Staff

Amy Prose, PT, OCS, Director of Operations

Director of Operations Administration

MJ Peters

Administration

Samantha Pawelk

Maple Grove Office Administration

Anna Zigmund

Billing Manager Administration

Robin Saunders Ryan, PT, MS, MBA

Founder Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer Jensen

Clinic Manager Administration

Kelly Severson

Administration

Claire Girouard OTR/L Maple Grove office

Claire Hinke, OTR/L

June 12, 2026September 9, 2022 by Robin

Saint Paul Office
Industrial Rehabilitation
Work Hardening Programs
Functional Capacity Evaluation

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June 19, 2026April 19, 2022 by Robin

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physical therapist explaining TMJ anatomy

TMJ Symptoms

June 22, 2026April 19, 2022 by Robin

How do you tell if your facial, head, or neck pain is related to your temporomandibular (TMJ) joint? The TMJ is the hinge joint that opens and closes your jaw. The joint can be palpated just in front of the ear, or from inside the ear. The muscles that operate this joint to open and close the jaw can be palpated along the temple, jawbone, and from inside the mouth. Sometimes, you can feel pain directly in the area around the joint, but there are other symptoms you should be aware of:

Neck pain
Aching facial pain
Headache
Pain or tenderness of the jaw muscles
Aching pain in or around the ear
Difficulty with or pain with chewing
Jaw “locking” or difficulty opening or closing

It is common for people with TMJ disorders to also have neck problems. Neck posture definitely affects the mechanics of the TMJ and correction of posture and treatment of neck dysfunction is often key to TMJ pain or headache relief. At Saunders Therapy Centers, we provide a thorough evaluation of the head, neck, and jaw to identify the source of your symptoms. Using this information, we create a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, improving function, and helping you return to your daily activities.

Woman with pained expression due to jaw pain

TMJ Headache

December 28, 2022April 19, 2022 by Robin

TMJ headaches can be disabling. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell where your headache is coming from – a good physical therapist can help! The temporomandibular joint has several muscular attachments, and a seemingly simple thing like forward head posture can place abnormal stress on those muscles. Pain receptors from the muscles are activated, triggering a headache.

Another source of TMJ headaches is the joint itself. A swollen, inflamed joint causes muscles to become tight and inflamed, causing spasm. Resulting headache can be felt around the skull, face and even neck areas. Saunders physical therapists are skilled at evaluating and treating most TMJ disorders. There is often both a muscular and a joint component, and the neck and upper back are often involved. At Saunders, our approach entails:

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: A thorough evaluation will be performed on your initial visit. We can determine which tissues are involved by palpating the joint and muscles externally around the head and neck, and inside your mouth.

Manual Therapy: Our therapists all have advanced training in manual therapy which is a hands-on approach that addresses restrictions and provides gentle stimulation to relieve pain.

Exercise: Depending on whether your symptoms are caused by posture, neck or jaw tightness, or instability, a custom exercise program will be prescribed.

Postural Education and Positions of Relief: Our physical therapists will teach you body awareness and you will learn mechanics and postures that decrease load and stress on the spine and jaw. Something as simple as the resting position of your tongue can make a big difference!

Dizziness Caused by Migraine or Neck Pain

April 18, 2022 by Robin

There are many different causes of dizziness including conditions of the inner ear, medication side effects, changes in blood pressure, or prolonged bed rest. Did you know that migraine headaches and painful neck conditions can also cause dizziness?

When migraine is accompanied by vertigo, neck pain may also be present. The neck symptoms can vary, but often include:

Reduced range of motion
Pain on one side of the neck, radiating to the temple, forehead, or eye
Pain on one side of your cheek or face
Pain at one or both sides of the base of your skull
Sometimes, pain can radiate to one shoulder

Treating the neck symptoms often relieves the dizziness and lessens the severity of migraine symptoms. Saunders Therapy Centers’ physical therapists are experts at evaluating and treating musculoskeletal conditions of the neck, and can assess whether your dizziness is originating from migraine or neck symptoms.

What Does A Physical Therapist Do for Dizziness Related to Migraine or Neck Pain?

Vertigo disorders are multi-factorial in nature and require a thorough exam to identify contributing factors. Our approach:

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: Your evaluation will include an assessment of your posture, muscle flexibility, muscle strength and gait analysis.
Dizziness/Balance Evaluation: Your evaluation will also include balance testing, as well as positional testing designed to establish the source(s) of dizziness. Sometimes, we may do simple tests to check your eye movements as they related to your symptoms.
Education: We spend time discussing your diagnosis and encourage self-management strategies as part of our comprehensive treatment approach.
Treatment: Our aim is to get you feeling better from the first visit. Depending on the results from your exam, you may respond well to manual therapy, or hands-on techniques designed to improve the symmetry and tone in the muscles of the head and neck. Simple home exercises are often an important part of your treatment plan.

Falls Prevention and Balance Training

August 3, 2023April 18, 2022 by Robin

Dizziness, unsteadiness, and feeling a loss of balance is very unpleasant and frustrating. Individuals over the age of 65 are statistically at much higher risk of falls. Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again, and 1 out of 5 falls in the elderly cause a fracture or head injury. (Statistics from the CDC’s Facts About Falling)

Saunders physical therapists play a crucial role in fall prevention for their patients. Falls can lead to significant injuries and reduced quality of life, especially for older adults or individuals with certain medical conditions. Here are some strategies that our physical therapists can employ to prevent falls:

We Love to Help Prevent Falls!

Assessment and Screening: We will perform a detailed evaluation to objectively assess your fall risk

Individualized Exercise Programs: We will design specific exercises to strengthen your legs and the muscles that support balance. This personalized exercise program will focus on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.

Fall Risk Education: We will teach you about fall risk factors and how to recognize environmental hazards and navigate safely in your surroundings. We will problem-solve situations in your home to decrease your risk of falls

Gait Training: We will work on improving walking patterns and gait mechanics to enhance stability and reduce the risk of stumbling or tripping.

Use of Assistive Devices: If necessary, our physical therapists can recommend and train you on the use of assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to provide additional support during mobility.

Balance Training: We can teach specific exercises that challenge balance and proprioception, helping you improve your stability and ability to recover from unexpected balance disturbances.

Vision Assessment: We definitely encourage our patients to have their vision checked regularly and ensure they you wear appropriate eye wear when necessary.

Medication Review: We remind you to consult with your healthcare providers about potential side effects of medications that may affect balance or increase fall risk.

Monitoring and Progression: We will regularly monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to continue challenging appropriately.

Fall Recovery Techniques: Our experts can teach you techniques for safe falling and how to recover from a fall to minimize injury.

Community and Home-Based Programs: We encourage our patients to participate in community-based exercise programs or group classes specifically aimed at fall prevention.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, physicians, and nurses, to create a comprehensive fall prevention plan for each patient.

Fall Follow-Up: After successful fall prevention training, we can continue monitoring as necessary to ensure you maintain your functional gains and do not develop new risk factors.

At Saunders, we realize that fall prevention requires a multi-faceted approach, and physical therapists play a significant role in reducing fall risk and improving the overall safety and well-being of their patients.

BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

August 3, 2023April 18, 2022 by Robin

BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, is the most common source of vertigo. Vertigo is the false sensation that you are falling, or the room is spinning. The main symptom of BPPV is that your vertigo is triggered by head movements (suddenly looking up, down, or to the right or left.) Rarely serious, it is significantly disabling and can cause a risk of falling. Fortunately, it can be helped by physical therapy.

Tiny organs and fluid in your inner ear are responsible for balance. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals called otoconia or “canaliths” come loose from their normal location in the inner ear. When the ear crystals become detached, they can flow freely in the fluid-filled spaces of the inner ear, including the semi-circular canal – the organ that senses rotation of the head. These floating crystals create havoc, by falsely telling your inner ear that your position in space is changing. This is what causes the spinning sensation with head movement that people with BPPV describe.

Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether your vertigo/dizziness is likely caused by BPPV. If so, positional techniques called “Canalith Repositioning” can be very effective in resolving the symptoms.

What Does A Physical Therapist Do for BPPV?

Saunders Therapy Centers physical therapists are all skilled at performing Canalith Repositioning techniques.

The canalith repositioning procedure consists of several simple maneuvers for positioning your head. Guided by your therapist, the head movements attempt to move the loose particles from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of your inner ear into a location where they don’t cause trouble and are more easily resorbed.

This procedure often works immediately, and usually works after one or two treatments. Since BPPV can recur, you will be taught how to perform the procedure on yourself so that you can do it at home if needed.