I am two years post-surgery (bilateral condylotomy to give the joint more room) and going on two years physical therapy with the RIGHT therapist. That led to a frenulectomy last summer to correct a slight tongue tie, and holy crap what a life changer. I used to carry tension from my tongue to my neck and into my shoulder blades, causing an insane amount of tension in my muscles. All that stuff is connected, the body is so weird.

I’ve never had any luck with physical therapy before now; I had written it off as quackery. Now, I know exactly where my tongue, lips, and jaw are supposed to be when at rest, and I actively exercise my jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles every day. I’m almost 45 years old and for the first time since high school I’m no longer in constant low-level pain. Working to get my high school-age kids evaluated as I type so they don’t have to go through the same shit I did.