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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Had a fantastic experience working with Megan, Emilia, and Emmanuel! Megan quickly helped me recover from my calf injury and was happy to support any residual peripheral issues. Always a good vibe at Park Sports!

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

My experience at Park Sports was fabulous. The staff was professional, friendly, and, so helpful. The studio was well equipped and very clean. Everyone had great energy! Special thanks to Emanual at the front desk with his kindness and Olga my therapist for getting me strong :)))

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg

If you need P/T due to breast cancer (lymphedema, radiation issues, etc), Denise Johnson is fabulous. She is highly regarded and many of the oncologists, surgeons, etc recommend her.

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

First visit for lower back pain went well. I believe AK's hands are magical and he dug deep into my 65 year old beat up back and gave me relief. I'm looking foward to my next visit because I'm tired of being in pain… And no he didn't pay me for this review…

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 – Naperville

Ethan is amazing and always smiling. What stood out most was how clearly he explained everything. Instead of just giving me exercises, Ethan showed me exactly what each one was doing and corrected my form every session. I never felt rushed, and the plan was clearly tailored to me—not generic. I am improving with each session. Overall everyone are very pleasant and easy to talk.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Cary

My daughter started going to Leaps and Bounds for feeding therapy at 10 months old. I was amazed at the progress that she made, and I was very impressed by how Jenny engaged with my daughter. Within 8 weeks, my daughter went from refusing to eat anything (purees, solids, etc.) to trying almost anything and actually swallowing it. I am forever grateful for what they did! She just started speech therapy with Kathleen. The office staff and therapy professionals are truly wonderful people!

My experience has been unbelievably wonderful. These people are very professional and caring and are doing an excellent job of bringing me back from a very bad injury. I would highly recommend them!

Response from the owner:"Our Mission is Your Recovery!" Kathleen, thanks for taking the time to leave a review and placing your trust in Main Line Hand Therapy to help you meet your goals.

Brian is amazing! Explains things so well! Was so tender and in pain..still taking muscle relaxers and Tylenol. No longer doing that! I keep telling him he needs to teach, but he loves working with patients and seeing them get better! I sure am better after seeing him!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Indian Trail

This is top notch physical therapy, at it's finest. My brother has gone here for a few months now after a torn ACL, torn MCL, and a dislocated patella. He's made an astonishing recovery throughout this process, and still has a ways to go. The Ivy Rehab team has done wonderful things with this facility, and have treated my brother with the utmost respect and care. If you ever need physical therapy, don't go anywhere else. Thanks so much to the Ivy Team for all of their help.

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 – Farmville

My experience at Ivy Rehab in Chesapeake has been exceptional! They prepared me for my knee replacement surgery with a caring, professional, supportive staff. My surgery was yesterday, because my doctor said I was doing so well I was able to go home the same day. I owe this entirely to the Ivy Team. I’m looking forward to returning for my post op rehab. Thank you one and all.❤️

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 – Chesapeake – South Norfolk

Been to lots of Physical Therapy for my ankle. When you walk in you feel welcome. Stuff goes out of their way to ensure you get the treatment possible.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Virginia Beach!

The atmosphere and the surroundings and helpful and everyone is very helpful there makes it very easy to do what has to be done and they take good care of you very friendly. They’re all courteous and kind.. they treat you like a family member I really wouldn’t go anywhere else . Page and Anna are great. can’t wait to see you all again, Keeppunching Cosmo

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – North Arlington

The staff is extremely efficient with managing clients & keeping your routine flowing. Very friendly & helpful navigating my journey to getting back to my normal.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Monroe MI

Throughout a whole year of PT for multiple injuries Cosimo would listen and adjust therapy as i went along. Everyone is treated as a family this is the place to go hands down.

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

Currently being treated here, Everyone has been great here from the receptionist to the therapist and even other the other patients. I lucked out when workman's comp picked this place they actually treat you like a person and not just another workmans comp case.

Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke

Amazing experience with this location and with Setoo Jain as PT. They really get you well! They are on time, are able to communicate through email as well as phone , and very responsiveness to any questions. It’s great to have an office where the staff are responsive , the PTs have very advanced credentials and training, and they are good with keeping appointments on time. The were also flexible with the days I needed for scheduling. There is an online app where you can view most of the exercises. Take good notes and do the “homework” to get the most out of it. Convenient Apex location.

Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us this 5-star review! – The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy, Apex

this place is great. Nicole was my therapist and she is great. the entire staff is wonderful. I would recommend this facility to anyone great job guys.

Response from the owner:Your kind review made our day, thank you so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park

Great therapists! Quite attentive and continuosly comes around to check on your status and response to the activities that they are requiring you to attempt.

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

Miss Katie is amazing , she is the first person to actually seem to connect with my practically non-verbal 2.5 year old ! She definitely changed my whole outlook on speech therapy!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, West Chester Township!

The staff is amazing. Joseph was my PT, he sincerely cared about your treatment and your success . I have been to other Physical Therapy facilities and none compared to this one. I highly recommend this facility.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park

A shout-out of appreciation to each staff member of Ivy Rehab-Willingboro. It is through my participation and your guidance that I have been able to positively increase my psychological and physical well being . My initial/evaluation meeting with Robert Williams 04/25/22 determined the best physical therapy program which would meet my needs. My last/evaluation 11/10/22 meeting with Jennifer Stewart determined my increased mobility and how far I had come with physical challenges. Between my first and last meeting, all staff members participated with assisting me with achieving my goals. Thank you. All staff are professional/friendly and committed to their job. Although the rehab site is small (was undergoing expansion and remodeling at this time.) I felt comfortable because all staff/participants were required to wear masks and the exercise equipment was disinfected after individual use. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab-Willingboro for your physical therapy needs! I am a “happy camper” and I’m sure you will be too!😄

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