In a study of over 45,000 American households, almost 22% experienced orofacial pain in the past six months. Nearly 40 million adult Americans experience orofacial pain on a regular basis. In addition, many children experience pain in their face, jaw (TMJ pain), and suffer from daily headaches.
Do you have TMD? Use this quick TMD Pain Screener to see if you could benefit from a consultation.
Treatable Conditions (including but not limited to):
- Chronic Headaches/Migraines
- TMJ Disorders
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Bell’s Palsy
- Post Surgical Orofacial Procedures (i.e. orthognathic surgery and mandibular fracture)
- Cervical Spine Disorders
- Asymmetric Mandibular Movements
Signs And Symptoms
- Headaches that begin in the back of the neck or the sides of the head
- Popping or clicking in one or both sides of the jaw
- Loss of jaw motion (normal movement is 44 mm)
- Facial Pain
- Difficulty biting or chewing
How can Orofacial Physical Therapy Help?
Our Orofacial Physical Therapy approach includes an extensive examination of the jaw, mouth, neck and spine.
Following the initial physical therapy examination, the therapist develops a comprehensive treatment plan, which forms the basis of the physical therapy program.
Can any Physical Therapist Treat TMJ?
Yes. By State Regulations, any licensed Physical Therapist can treat TMJ dysfunction, but there is minimal training given for this complex problem in physical therapy school.
There are multiple continuing education courses that train a therapist to specialize in this area which goes beyond the basics. Before scheduling an appointment with any physical therapist regarding your TMJ issue, you should ask if the therapist has taken any continuing education classes specifically dealing with TMJ dysfunction as well as how often they are seeing TMD patients.
At Cornerstone Physical Therapy, our orofacial pain specialists hold advanced training in orofacial Physical Therapy. With their combined expertise, we are able to provide more comprehensive and advanced treatment plans for Orofacial Pain and Headache patients.
Think you may be suffering from TMD, click here for our Free Screener. If you score 3 or more, please call our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Caroline Arvey, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, CSCS
Intake Coordinator
- Operations Manager
Areas of Special Interest
- Orthopedics
- Lifting Injuries
- Crossfit Injuries
- Orofacial/TMJ
Caroline Arvey is from Alexandria, VA and attended the College of William & Mary where she majored in Kinesiology. After traveling out west on a cross-country cycling trip, Caroline attended the University of Colorado to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. After exploring the mountains in Colorado, Caroline moved to Asheville in 2016 and is happy to be back on the east coast and closer to her family. She has been with Cornerstone since 2016 and pursued additional training in orofacial pain and orthopedics, earning her Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics in 2020. While not working, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and fly fishing, with her husband (Nathan) and daughter (Jane).
Seth Fibraio, PT, DPT, MTC, CSCS, CMTPT, CCTT
- CEO
Seth graduated from Richard Stockton College in May 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He continued his studies at the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences where he graduated in 2001 with a Master of Physical Therapy Degree. In June 2001, Seth attained his Certified Strength and Conditioning Certification and has utilized this to work on different sports injuries. He attained his Manual Therapy Certification through the University of Saint Augustine in June 2003 and he attained his Clinical Doctoral Degree in 2012 with an emphasis in Orofacial Pain.
Seth is also certified as a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT) by the Physical Therapy Board of Craniofacial & Cervical TherapeuticsSeth is one of 55 PT's in the country with the CCTT certification, which requires over 2,000 clinical hours in treatment of cervical spine disorders, TMD, and headaches.
Over the past 16 years, Seth has completed numerous continuing education courses, including courses taught on the treatment of TMJ, craniofacial pain, migraine headache disorders, fibromyalgia pain management, manual therapy, spinal disorders, and dry needling. Seth has been a guest lecturer at Western Carolina University and given several public lectures for local establishments including REI, Biltmore Forest Country Club, and the Buncombe County Dental Society. Seth has recently completed a revision of 2 chapters (masseter and anterior cervical spine muscles) in the 3rd edition of the Janet Travell: Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction The Trigger Point Manual and was published in 2018.
Seth enjoys working out, competing in local Crossfit competitions and spending time with his wife Melinda and three children, Leah, Elena and Seth.
Stephanie McElhaney OTD, OTR-L
I received my bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2019 from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. During my time at Ball State, I developed a passion for the rehabilitation process and made it my goal to help others return to living life to their full potential. I then attended the University of Indianapolis and received my doctorate degree in occupational therapy in 2022. I completed my capstone project working with individuals with substance use disorder and worked towards restoring participation in meaningful occupations. Since graduating, I have developed a passion for pelvic health and oncology services. I am currently working towards receiving my Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification and will be completing my lymphedema certification in August.
In my free time, I enjoy running, bouldering, and doing anything outdoors. I am an avid reader and love anything non fiction or historical fiction. I am engaged to be married in May 2025 and have two cats that are my life!
