Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle (TMJ) Therapy

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ) refer to a range of conditions affecting the jaw muscles and the jaw joints. These disorders can lead to discomfort and pain around the mouth, jaw, neck, and ears. At Ivy Rehab, we provide specialized TMJ therapy aimed at relieving jaw pain, improving jaw movement, and restoring normal function.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / TMJ

How TMJ treatment works.

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. This joint plays a crucial role in jaw movement, such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are strained or misaligned, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and a reduction in your quality of life.

While TMJ conditions are often not considered serious, they can cause long-lasting symptoms that affect everyday activities. Our physical therapists at Ivy Rehab are trained in TMJ therapy to help manage these symptoms and improve jaw function.

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Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ disorders can manifest in a variety of symptoms, affecting the jaw muscles and surrounding tissues. Common symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular disorders) include:

Pain in and around the jaw area
Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth
Headaches, especially around the temples
Locking of the jaw (difficulty opening or closing the mouth)
Jaw tightness or discomfort while chewing or speaking
Neck or cervical discomfort due to poor jaw alignment

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact daily activities. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, TMJ therapy can help you find relief.

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How Ivy Rehab Treats TMJ Disorders

Our TMJ treatment plan involves a combination of techniques designed to reduce jaw pain, improve jaw movement, and relieve tension in the surrounding muscles. We utilize a personalized approach to ensure the most effective treatment for each patient’s needs.

Neuromuscular Re-Education

This therapy helps restore normal jaw movement by retraining the muscles around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to function correctly and relieve jaw tension.

Manual Techniques

We use manual therapy to help reduce pain and improve mobility in the jaw joint. Techniques like soft tissue mobilization can help relieve muscle tightness and improve overall function.

Ultrasound, Electric Stimulation, and Heat/Ice Treatment

These modalities are used to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and relieve pain. Heat and ice can be applied to reduce swelling, while electric stimulation can promote muscle relaxation and alleviate jaw discomfort.

Jaw Exercises

Jaw exercises are a key part of your treatment plan. They help strengthen the muscles surrounding the jaw, improving posture and movement. These exercises can help alleviate symptoms of TMD and prevent future jaw issues.

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FAQs

How long does TMJ therapy take to work?

The length of time to see results from TMJ therapy varies based on the severity of your condition. Many patients begin to feel relief within a few sessions, while others may need several weeks of treatment. Our physical therapists will tailor a treatment plan to help you achieve the best results in the shortest time possible.

Is TMJ therapy safe for all patients?

Yes, TMJ therapy is safe for most patients, including those with chronic jaw pain, muscle tension, or jaw mobility issues. Your physical therapist will evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your specific needs.

What is TMJ dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction (also known as TMD) refers to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. It can cause pain, discomfort, and issues with jaw movement, often resulting in symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and jaw clicking.

Get Started with TMJ Therapy at Ivy Rehab

Relieving jaw pain and improving function takes time and specialized care. At Ivy Rehab, we provide compassionate TMJ therapy to help individuals reduce jaw discomfort, improve jaw movement, and relieve muscle tension. Our skilled therapists work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you regain comfort and function in daily activities.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

Excellent

Excel Physical Therapy4.9

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I love Ivy. They truly care about your progress. Everyone I've worked with thus far has been kind, knowledgeable, and personable. I would definitely recommend this place for PT.

Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Kokomo

I have been to many other physical therapy offices in West Michigan and Chris is by far the most comprehensive therapist I've been to. A truly great experience!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Caledonia

Everyone at the practice is professional, helpful and friendly. I came to Maximum for PT on two separate occasions. Although I got the opportunity to work with everyone at the practice, I particularly want to highlight how attentive and helpful Paige and Arvid have been during my sessions. Thank you team.

Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Maximum Performance Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation, North Arlington

The staff treats you like family. Appointments are flexible and available. Not to big and not too small a facility. Plenty of parking and convenient to get to. The facility is always clean and being cleaned. Steven is serious about getting you well and developed great rehab plans for your specific needs. I have a long term need for rehab and this is my go-to facility!

Ms. Amanda is the most incredible speech therapist we could have ever asked for. Both my children, Sam and Alex, worked with her over the past 6 years. During that time we have seen tremendous growth with not just my children’s speech but also their cognitive and social emotional skills because Ms. Amanda taught them with love. She challenged them to reach their potential and she taught me how to be a better parent in the process while I watched her work her magic. We will forever be grateful for how Ms. Amanda goes way above and beyond her job description every day. I honestly don’t have the words to fully describe our gratitude and her talent. Ms. Amanda is incredibly loved by us, and we will never forget the positive impact she has had on our lives!!! Thank you so much!

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Miamisburg

I can’t recommend the Excel team highly enough. They not only eliminated my pain but set me up for future success with the stretches and exercises I may need in the future. The team works together to make it an excellent – and even fun – experience for patients. Thank you all!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield

The crew at Ivy Rehab Kokomo are amazing! Each therapist tagged teamed my needs and kept my progress moving forward. The four therapists had a different treatment style and method that ultimately worked in challenging me during my sessions. I'm going to miss our weekly banters. A BIG Thank You goes out to the rehab crew … much love

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Kokomo

Literally most caring, thorough, thoughtful, compassionate and giving caretakers from the scheduler of appointments to the Therapists. Our child is so lucky to have the support of this staff to help her learn to walk again!

Great staff, great therapy. I learned so much about completely restructuring my workout routines to treat my body better. Many thanks to Dr. Annie for her instruction and guidance! Truly enjoyed working with Jocelyn – her sense of humor made my motivation for the physical work rise to great heights.

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness – Staunton

Two months after my foot fracture I was still finding it very difficult to walk and I searched for the physical therapy center close to my home. I was delighted with Excel physical therapy and chose to have Catherine as my physiotherapist after reading good reviews about her. I felt better at the very first session – 50% of the stiffness that follows a fracture was gone! I am now having treatment for my hips and my back and hoping for the same excellent results.

Response from the owner:Thanks, Cathy! We are so glad you chose Excel PT.

This was my second time coming to Ivy Rehab PT. The first time was wonderful, and so was the second time. Both were for ankle injuries. Staff is super caring and patient. This is a selfie with Dhruv he's only a student, but he did a phenomenal job helping me. Amanda was amazing, I liked seeing how well she guided Dhruv. Don't get me started on the front desk, lady Terri she was the sweetest, and it was nice getting her call for this second time around and her immediately remembering me. Overall, great staff, clean environment, very hands-on. 10/10 Do recommend! 🤗

Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Philadelphia – Delaware Ave

I had a complex foot surgery and needed PT from a practice that understood this type of recovery. Ivy was fantastic. They are highly skilled, patient, personable, and the environment is truly welcoming. They got me running again and I'm so thankful for them!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Hoboken – Midtown

Miss Stephanie is a great speech therapist. She is knowledgable and also very compassionate. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a speech therapist.

Sherry and Lisa are great. I came in with multiple ailments several weeks ago and they've been helping me a ton. I love the positive atmosphere and great customer service. I'd highly recommend this PT office.

The PT’s are very knowledgeable as to what treatments are best for you. They are Very professional, such a nice place. PT attend to everyone with the upmost respect.

Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us this 5-star review! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Barnegat

Absolutely amazing staff! Friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. They don't just walk you through the exercises/routines but help you to understand the why and how it can help the healing process. Glad I was given their name!

Antonio Sapienza helped me tremendously throughout my achilles tear recovery for 7 months. He was professional, hardworking and caring during my rehabilitation. He is a very friendly and attentive PT and is great at his job. I highly recommend him as he will go above and beyond for his patients.

Response from the owner:Hi Vitaly, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We're glad that Antonio was able to help you with your recovery. We appreciate your recommendation!

The person I had Amy was very pleasant and very knowledgeable and insightful. I was very please with her hoping I get a chance to work with her.
Ms. Natasha Johnson

Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Bala Cynwyd

Everyone at this location was kind, compassionate and professional while challenging me to recuperate from knee surgery. I felt like they were partners with me in my healing process!

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Virginia Beach – Kempsville

Great place, great people. The staff is knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable. It says, "It's all about the people" on the wall, and it's clear they put this into practice. Go consistently, do what they prescribe, and you'll start to feel better!

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Mount Olive

Steve Segal was a 1st class therapist. He was extremely professional, courteous and knowledgeable. His therapy plan was very helpful to my progress and pain control of my knee issues. His staff is very nice and accommodating. Ihighly recommend Therapeutics Unlimited of Englewood Cliffs.