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

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Excel Physical Therapy4.9

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Excellent facility! Nick has helped me immensely with several injuries. Their hands-on approach with the highest level of expertise and knowledge provide a speedy recovery.

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

I can't recommend this practice enough! Jonathan Moshenberg is an excellent physical therapist. I was referred to him by my podiatrist for foot pain, but ended up staying to work on spinal issues (lower back and neck) as well. I'm happy to report that my foot, lower back, and neck are all showing significant improvement.

PT is not an easy undertaking–some of it is very difficult–but I found myself looking forward to visits anyway because each one got me closer to my goals. Different techniques, including cupping and scraping, in additional to manual therapies and targeted stretches/strength training, helped me clear hurdles previous PT did not.

The office is very clean and the entire staff is professional and kind. Visits never felt rushed. Thank you, Excel!

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St

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

I began my therapy unable to walk and at the end of the 1st week of therapy was able to walk again. Over the course of 6 weeks they have taught me how to continue with my healing post therapy. The staff is amazing and focused! I highly recommend them.

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

I see Rachel at Ivy Rehab in Fishers, but I've also had some sessions with Kevin as well. I highly recommend both of them. This was my first time having to go to physical therapy and Shannon makes it easy to understand my insurance benefits and they have a lot of flexibility in their schedule so its easy to make time for appointments. I have been dealing with a hip issue, a labral tear and FAI, and working with Rachel makes living with it virtually pain free. I've been very pleased with my progress over the last few months and I really feel like I'm being listened to when it comes to my therapy goals.

LOVE THEM 💫 I broke my ankle this summer and had been dealing with pain and a limp- in just a short time working with Megan, I’m pain free and regained my mobility and balance. Everyone here is funny, kind, and knowledgeable.

Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg

Amanda was great. She explained ver well. Took her time, did not rush me and did different exercise with me and also gave me exercise at home. On the whole i am very satisfied.

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, Blue Bell

Clean and professional efficient. I am feeling so much better. And stronger. Not a lot of personal chatter amongst the therapists, which is important to me. It’s so distracting unprofessional do that.

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

I’m having back pain issues. Had my initial consultation this week and the evaluation was thorough. Rachel described the process and conducted an in depth assessment of my health, including a physical exam.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive rating – we’re grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Moorestown

Kyle and Brooklyn were both very nice to work with. They were compassionate, helpful, concerned and very professional. I would highly recommend Ivy Rehab.

Response from the owner:We are so grateful to have earned this 5-star review. Thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Comstock Park

Just a great place, very clean facility and amenities. Paige and her entire staff are very friendly. I just had my last session and it was bittersweet that I'm leaving the great people behind, but leaving with a positive feeling as my knee replacement rehab could not have been any better. Highly recommend Ivy rehab for all needs. Attention to detail and the programs laid out for me was fantastic. The staff will be missed, but I'll visit them!

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

Dr. Angelica Bicomong was AMAZING! I had a lower back injury after a car accident and some nerve damage in my hand/radial nerve. She was kind, thorough, and effective. I was shocked at how much I healed over my time at Ivy Rehab. Thank you, Angelica!

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

Amazing facility with amazing staff. Nothing like taking your child to a place where they go out of their way to make your family feel at home and help your family grow. Thank you ABC!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, West Chester Township

I had a wonderful experience at Excel Therapy. I went in after a knee replacement and had Nicholas as my therapist. He was so professional, extremely knowledgeable and caring. I was concerned that while doing exercises I would totally be on my own, not knowing if I was doing them correctly . I have to say Nicholas always checked on me to be certain I was properly doing all exercises.He always changed my exercises depending on what I needed at that time for a fast recovery. I could not be more pleased with results of my therapy at Excel and would certainly return in the future if needed.Thank you for the wonderful care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Cresskill

I highly recommend Excel Physical Therapy. The physical therapists are kind and caring and take time to listen to your problem. The therapists, as well as the aides, care very much about your progress and work hard to help you reach your goals. It is a great place and I would definitely recommend if you are looking for quality health care!!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Debbie! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

I received great physical therapy here at Excel. The front desk reception and all the therapists were very warm and friendly, and the atmosphere seemed supportive and energetic. My therapist, Nick, was very thorough and paid close attention to the guidance from my orthopedic doctor to program my treatment. He answered all the questions I had about the purpose and function of my treatment, modeled the movements when necessary, and was extremely responsive to my needs for continuing the work at home. While I am glad that my issues (Lumbar spine and SI joint issues) have been resolved, I would certainly return to Excel for any physical therapy needs in the future!

Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Cresskill

I have had all three PT very qualified therapists work with me over the last several months. They continue to push, reinforce, and challenge me to get better through their guidance. Haley has been my “regular” and I appreciate her knowledge, positivity, and willingness to help me heal.

Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Comstock Park

I have had the opportunity to work with Chandree, Donny, and Amanda. They are all very nice and true professionals. I have mainly worked with Chandree. His exercises and leg massages are very helpful. My legs feel much better when I am leaving, than when I first come in. I have been to other rehab places, for other issues. Ivyrehab in Naperville is the best.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback – we’re grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Naperville

Joe and Holly are on top of there game they work great with each other no one stands around weather one person or it’s packed great place to rehab not to big not to small they answer all of your questions and if they don’t know they will find out before you leave very easy to talk to from start to finish can’t say enough good things about Excel Physical Therapy!!

Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke

My friend recommended Excel PT for my back issues and I couldn’t be happier. Joe and Holly are the best. They give you individualized attention, their knowledge is outstanding, the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. The receptionists are the best, as well. They make you feel comfortable making appointments, rescheduling, insurance issues, etc…. I’ve had dry needle therapy with Joe and it helped a great deal and cupping and tens unit with Holly and it helped greatly. I feel like PT at Excel with Joe and Holly really made a difference in my back health! I would highly recommend them!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke

Ivy Rehab has fixed my back two years in a row and I go regularly to keep it that way. Great therapists. I have a location I could walk to but I started at the Naperville location and keep going there because of the care I receive.

Response from the owner:We’re so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Naperville