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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I have used Back in Action for 2 different issues now and have had a great experience each time. Juli at the front desk is always friendly and welcoming and David is very knowledgeable. He was able to get to the root of my back injury and develop a program that helped relieve the pain and spasms, strengthen my back and surrounding muscles and also help create muscle memory and body awareness to help protect my back from injury in the future. He was able to perform dry needling after I had a little set back and that was amazing! I have been able to get back to doing the activities I love and I am very grateful. I am a big proponent of physical therapy rather than just taking pain medicines, as movement is so important for good health.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy, Apex

Wonderful place for PT. Everyone is on their game and ready to help. David worked with me on my shoulder and helped me manage my pain and get me back on track.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive rating – we’re grateful! – The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy – Apex

Ivy Rehab in Chesterfield, Virginia is an Amazing place! My husband is a patient at the center and as his wife for over fifty years, I thoroughly enjoy watching the activities and individual milestones that he is achieving. The staff is stupendous, highly knowledgeable, and most of all kind and funny. Their personalities are the high point of the sessions that I am fortunate to witness! I would give the center and the physical therapists a score even higher than 5 stars if this was an available option! Top accolades to IVY REHAB!!!

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, Midlothian – Swift Creek

I highly recommend Ivy Rehab! The clinic is incredibly convenient for me, as it’s located close to home. Arvid my physical therapist, has been outstanding. He is not only extremely knowledgeable but also friendly and patient, ensuring my care is tailored to my needs. His expertise and support have helped me tremendously on my journey to recovery. If you're looking for a clean, well-equipped facility with exceptional therapists, Ivy Rehab is the place to go!

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, North Arlington

What can I say about this place… it’s incredible! All of the staff are so knowledgeable and beyond friendly! After one visit it feels like family. You hope your PT visits will continue for life. From exercises to acupuncture it is a place full of “healing” energy. I would recommend this place over and over again! Thank you guys for helping become stronger and feel better. 😁

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 – Naperville

Everyones nice – however the Waiting room could use "sound dampening panels"! The room echos & and multiple therapists come out at the end of the sessions & it gets very loud.

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

I am very, very grateful to Becca and Lauren for the care and treatment they offered me as I recovered from a serious injury and surgery to my right hand. They thoughtfully planned my therapy and rendered it with care, patience and compassion. I owe much of my recovery to them. I appreciate the number of choices of clinic locations that Synergy offers; the ease of access is a great help. Thank you!! Jerry H

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness, Staunton

We took our son to Ivy Rehab for Kids North Wales for physical therapy and he got the best running start (pun intended), thanks to his therapist, Devni Jobanputra. We also had good experiences with all the other therapists when they covered. Highly Recommend.

Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids – North Wales

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!

I have nothing but praises about my experience at Excel-Oakland Staff extremely professional and knowledgeable and treats you like a member of Family . Kelly is the best !I trust her opinion sometimes more than some doctors I have seen

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

The location is clean, easily accessible, and plenty of parking. The staff is professional and very attentive. They are always welcoming and caring to whatever ailments you are recovering from. I would recommend.

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

It’s my first time doing PT and the providers there are all friendly and knowledgeable. The exercises I’ve been given are already starting to help my knee after only a couple days. Highly recommend.

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

My son has been coming here for a couple months now for speech and “eating therapy” Kayla does a wonderful job, my husband and I have noticed a huge difference just in a couple months and my son truly enjoys going. It’s nice that ABC makes learning a fun environment. Sarah at the front desk is friendly as well, she makes scheduling stress free!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We are so pleased you are seeing progress!

I have had increasingly great results over the past few weeks working with Sam at Ivy Physical Therapy . My hip and knees have grown stronger and less painful as well as more flexible. Nancy has also been a joy to work with in the office helping with any scheduling or insurance concerns. Thank you.

Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Rhinebeck!

Incredible staff @ Southeastern! The amount of improvement my child has made has been astounding. We've tried other therapy programs for my child with autism but this is by far the best.

Just finished with my physical therapy at Ivy Rehab Kokomo. Fantastic facility. The staff are caring, friendly and knowledgeable. Big shout out to my Physical Therapist, Amanda! She helped me so much, very patient and knowledgeable. Will definitely go back again if needed.

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, Kokomo

I love ABC! I was upset and nervous when I found out that my son needed physical therapy once a week; however, all those feelings quickly melted away the moment I walked through the door. We were greeted with smiles, and treated with kindness. They follow all COVID protocols, do no stress there!! I was dreading thinking about getting an infant ready and hauled off once a week, but we actually look forward to it!!

Ivy & the staff has been nothing but phenomenal! My son loves going & has made so much progress! We’re so thankful for everyone at ivy for exceptional care we receive!

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 for Kids, Canton

Jenna and Jeff have an incredible team dynamic. You essentially get the attention of two therapists during your sessions. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and honestly just make Therapy fun! Thanks for making me feel better!

Ethan at Ivy Rehab helped dramatically improve my elbow (golfer's and tennis) with massage and exercises in a relatively short amount of time. He listened to my issues and helped me figure out how to improve without having to stop my favorite activities. He explained the problem and why the exercises would work, which motivated me to do them consistently. He was also fun to talk to, which made doing therapy exercises fun!

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 – Cary

I thoroughly appreciated my visits here and having Kathryn as my therapist. I genuinely felt valued and left each session feeling improved. I would recommend this to anyone seeking relief from physical discomfort as well.

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