Capitol Physical Therapy DC

08/01/2026

The muscles behind your TMJ pain may be contributing to more than just jaw discomfort.

Muscles in your jaw, face, neck, and upper back work together to control jaw movement. When these muscles become tight, overworked, or imbalanced, they may contribute to:

✅ Jaw pain or tightness
✅ Headaches and neck tension
✅ Clicking or limited jaw movement
✅ Pain while chewing or speaking
✅ Recurring muscle tension

Posture can also play a role. Prolonged phone use, desk work, and forward-head posture may increase strain throughout the neck, shoulders, and jaw.

Scroll through these three infographics to learn which muscles may be involved, why posture matters, and how physical therapy can help.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, treatment may include manual therapy, soft-tissue techniques, jaw mobility exercises, postural retraining, neuromuscular reeducation, and dry needling when appropriate.

You don’t have to keep living with jaw pain, headaches, or stiffness. Read our full article to learn how a personalized physical therapy plan may help you move your jaw more comfortably:

🔗 https://capitolptdc.com/the-muscles-behind-your-tmj-pain-and-how-physical-therapy-can-help/?utm_source=FBpost&utm_medium=social

08/01/2026

The muscles behind your TMJ pain may be causing more problems than you realize.

Many people assume TMJ pain comes only from the jaw joint itself. In reality, the muscles in your jaw, neck, face, and upper back all work together — and when they become tight, overworked, or out of balance, they can contribute to:

✅ Jaw pain and stiffness
✅ Clicking or popping when opening your mouth
✅ Headaches and facial pain
✅ Neck and shoulder tension
✅ Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth comfortably

The good news? Physical therapy can help.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we identify the underlying muscle and movement issues contributing to your TMJ symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction, and other evidence-based treatments designed to help you find lasting relief.

You don't have to live with jaw pain.

📅 Schedule your evaluation today and let our team help you get back to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably again.

Learn which jaw, neck, and upper back muscles contribute to TMJ pain and how physical therapy can relieve tension, improve posture, and restore movement.

06/30/2026

Does your jaw click, lock, or hurt when you eat or yawn?

It could be more than just an annoying habit.

Arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to jaw pain, stiffness, headaches, neck pain, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth comfortably.

The good news is that many TMJ disorders respond well to conservative treatment, including physical therapy.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we can help:
✅ Reduce jaw pain and muscle tension
✅ Improve jaw mobility and function
✅ Address posture and movement patterns that may contribute to symptoms
✅ Relieve neck and shoulder tightness associated with TMJ disorders
✅ Help you return to eating, speaking, and smiling with greater comfort

If persistent jaw pain is affecting your daily life, don't wait for it to get worse. Early treatment can make a significant difference.

📅 Contact Capitol Physical Therapy today to schedule your evaluation and start your personalized path toward lasting jaw pain relief.



https://capitolptdc.com/tmj-disorders-and-arthritis-understanding-the-connection-and-how-physical-therapy-can-help/?utm_source=FBpost&utm_medium=social

06/30/2026

Think arthritis only affects seniors? Think again.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and many can affect adults of all ages—even younger people.

Whether you're dealing with aching knees, stiff hands, painful hips, or swelling that makes everyday activities more difficult, you don't have to simply "live with it."

Physical therapy can help you:
✅ Reduce joint pain
✅ Improve mobility and flexibility
✅ Build strength to better support your joints
✅ Improve balance and daily function
✅ Stay active while protecting your joints

The earlier you address arthritis symptoms, the better your chances of maintaining your mobility and continuing to do the things you enjoy.

If joint pain, stiffness, or swelling has been slowing you down, our team at Capitol Physical Therapy is here to help with a personalized treatment plan designed around your goals.

📅 Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward healthier joints and more comfortable movement.



https://capitolptdc.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-arthritis/?utm_source=FBpost&utm_medium=social

06/30/2026

Living with type 2 diabetes doesn't mean slowing down—it means finding the right way to keep moving.

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for managing type 2 diabetes. Regular movement can help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar, increase strength, improve balance, boost energy, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

The challenge is knowing where to start safely, especially if you're dealing with pain, diabetic neuropathy, weakness, or concerns about falling.

That's where physical therapy can make a real difference.

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we create personalized exercise programs based on your current abilities, health, and goals. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, we'll help you build confidence, improve mobility, and make physical activity a sustainable part of your lifestyle.

✅ Improve strength and endurance
✅ Move with greater confidence
✅ Reduce pain and stiffness
✅ Improve balance and stability
✅ Support healthier blood sugar management

Small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful improvements in your health.

📅 Ready to take control of your movement and your diabetes management? Contact Capitol Physical Therapy today to schedule your evaluation.

https://capitolptdc.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-type-2-diabetes-physical-therapy/?utm_source=FBpost&utm_medium=social

05/12/2026

Jaw pain making it uncomfortable to eat, speak, or even smile? 😣

Persistent jaw clicking, tightness, headaches, or pain around your TMJ may be signs of a TMJ disorder — and these symptoms can gradually start interfering with your daily life if left untreated.

Physical therapy can help you:
✅ Reduce jaw pain and tension
✅ Improve jaw mobility
✅ Decrease headaches and neck discomfort
✅ Address posture and movement habits that may worsen symptoms
✅ Prevent recurring TMJ flare-ups

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans designed to help you move your jaw more comfortably and get back to daily activities with less pain.

📅 Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Schedule your physical therapy evaluation today and start working toward lasting TMJ relief.

Learn what TMJ disorders are, common symptoms and causes, and how physical therapy can reduce jaw pain, improve mobility, and restore function.

04/28/2026

Dealing with neck pain that travels into your shoulder or arm?

It could be a “pinched nerve” — also known as cervical radiculopathy — a common condition that can affect your movement, strength, and daily comfort.

The good news? Physical therapy can help relieve pressure on the nerve and get you moving again.

✅ Reduce neck and radiating arm pain
✅ Improve mobility and flexibility
✅ Restore strength and function
✅ Correct posture and prevent flare-ups
✅ Get back to daily activities comfortably

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans to target the root cause of your symptoms — not just the pain.

📅 Book your appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today.

Learn what cervical radiculopathy is, its symptoms and causes, and how physical therapy can relieve nerve pain, restore mobility, and improve neck function.

04/27/2026

Noticing changes in your movement, balance, or coordination?

Movement disorders can make everyday activities feel more difficult — from walking and reaching to maintaining stability and control.

The good news? Physical therapy can help you improve mobility, coordination, and confidence in your movement.

✅ Improve balance and coordination
✅ Build strength and stability
✅ Enhance mobility and flexibility
✅ Reduce fall risk
✅ Regain independence in daily activities

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans to help you move more freely and confidently — no matter your starting point.

👉 Book your appointment today.

Learn what movement disorders are, common types and symptoms, and how physical therapy can improve coordination, balance, and overall mobility.

03/26/2026

Struggling with groin or lower abdominal pain that won’t go away?

It could be a core muscle injury — a common issue for active individuals that can limit movement, strength, and performance if left untreated.

The good news? With the right physical therapy plan, you can recover safely and get back to doing what you love.

✅ Reduce pain and inflammation
✅ Restore core and hip strength
✅ Improve mobility and flexibility
✅ Return to sports and activity safely
✅ Prevent future injuries

At Capitol Physical Therapy, we create personalized recovery plans to help you heal and move with confidence again.

📅 Book your appointment with Capitol Physical Therapy today and start feeling steady again.

Learn what core muscle injuries are, common causes and symptoms, and how physical therapy can relieve pain, restore strength, and support recovery.

03/20/2026

Ready to take your hip strength beyond basic exercises? 👇

If you’ve been dealing with hip pain, glute discomfort, or piriformis issues, building strength in a functional (standing) position is key for long-term results.

In this video, Dr. Alice Aehl, DPT, demonstrates a single-leg exercise that strengthens the piriformis and deep hip muscles through controlled rotation—helping improve stability, balance, and real-world movement.

What you’ll learn:
👉 How to set up in a single-leg hinge position
👉 How to keep your core engaged and back flat
👉 How to open (external rotation) and close (internal rotation) the hips
👉 How to use support for balance
👉 How to move with control for better muscle activation

Who this helps:
👉 People with piriformis syndrome
👉 Individuals with hip instability or weakness
👉 Those progressing beyond basic exercises
👉 Athletes and active individuals

Why this matters:
👉 Builds functional strength for everyday movement
👉 Improves balance and coordination
👉 Helps reduce recurring hip and glute pain

Want to move better and feel stronger?

Watch the full video to learn more or book an appointment with our team today: https://capitolptdc.com/scheduling/

https://youtu.be/PDjG23qFk1g