Got TMJ? A Putnam Hospital Patient’s Journey to Healing after Jaw Injury

In September 2024, Alicia Gonzalez’s world turned upside down — literally. Last year, she had a hoverboard accident that left her with more than just a few bruises. The fall resulted in a head injury, a cracked tooth and trauma to her jaw and mouth. What followed was a painful struggle: She couldn’t open her jaw the next day, food would fall from her mouth, headaches became constant and chewing was unbearable.
 

“It was horrible,” Gonzalez, 58, of Mahopac, recalled. “It affected my love of food.”
 

Searching for relief, she tried painkillers and even visited a chiropractor, but nothing helped. Then, she heard about a therapist who specializes in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) at Putnam Hospital and decided to give physical therapy a try.
 

Learn more about physical rehabilitation at Putnam Hospital.

A life-changing approach to healing

Gonzalez began working with physical therapist Robin Kushner, and after a specialized therapy program, treatment was completed in April 2025. The transformation was astonishing.

“This completely changed my life,” Gonzalez said. “I’m not depressed anymore. I feel hopeful. I can enjoy my food, sing in the car, and I don’t have headaches anymore. It has made a huge difference.”

Under Kushner's guidance, Gonzalez engaged in jaw exercises, postural improvements and strengthening of her upper back, neck and shoulders.

“She gave me the knowledge and tools to do what I need. She has high expectations and expects you to work hard at home. We’re like a team,” Gonzalez said, praising Kushner’s energy and expertise.

Related content: Putnam Hospital offers women’s physical therapy program 

The benefits of physical therapy for TMD 

Putnam Hospital offers specialized physical therapy for TMD, collaborating closely with dentists and primary care doctors to address patient pain. TMD occurs when jaw movement is impaired. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) refers to the joint in front of your ear that connects your lower jaw to your skull that allows you to open and close your mouth, chew and speak.

TMJ is like every other joint in the body and can present with pain as well as limitations in movement. An evaluation by a physical therapist will include assessment of the joint’s range of motion and strength.
 

Related content: Why does my face hurt? Understanding facial pain and how to treat it
 

Treatment will include techniques to help decrease muscle tightness, improve joint range of motion and target muscles to strengthen the jaw. The goal of physical therapy treatment is to help improve a person’s function while reducing pain.
 

“When the body tries to manage pain, muscles can tighten, leading to restricted movement and further discomfort,” Kushner said. “Through manual therapy, range-of-motion techniques, exercises and postural education, therapy aims to relieve these limitations and restore function.”
 

For Gonzalez, the treatment provided not just relief, but a renewed lease on life. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the transformative effects of specialized physical therapy in helping patients reclaim their joy and mobility.
 

Find a physical rehabilitation location.
 

*** This story is one patient’s experience, recounted here for educational and general informational purposes only