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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Manny is a GREAT Physcial Therapist. Works hard with his patients to ensure good results. He truly cares about the health and well-being of his patients, Great guy. Highly recommend him if You want to get healthy.

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Cresskill

Everyone there is so friendly and compassionate. Great therapists. They always do an amazing job and help by telling you what you can do at home. Thank you so much.

Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Milford

Kelly’s dry needling has reduced my shoulder pain drastically while increasing my range more than 50%, all in just 4 appointments!! You must make Ivy your PT Team today! 👍👍

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach

Initially apprehensive, my first PT to treat pain/soreness in hip and pelvic region and I was not disappointed. Kevin is extremely knowledgeable, patient and friendly. After just 1 appointment, Kevin was able to gently work out most, if not all, of the discomfort I'd been feeling. Much more comfortable than I had expected. Problems haven't returned since last visit a few months ago, but I sure know where to go if they do. They are very understanding and accommodating when it comes to my schedule. My only regret is that I can only give them 5 stars.

Very good! I am happy with my program, and I will continue my rehab with my PT Caroline at this location. Everyone else, from the first impression to the assistant and other PTs, is nice and warm.

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 – Cary

I drove my best friend to all of her appts at Ivy after she had a knee replacement. She didn't have anything negative to say about this place. The entire staff is super friendly and know what they're doing. As a matter of fact, when her rehab was completed, she missed the staff so much she is having her other knee replaced (like, right now as I'm typing this review). So heads up staff, she's coming back! Keep up the good work girls & dude!!

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

The therapists at IvyRehab were very attentive to my concerns and needs. I had Katherine and Patrick and both of them were very friendly and professional, teaching me ways to improve my injury or ways to modify different stretches depending on the difficulty I was able to achieve.

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

Ivy Rehab did wonders for my quality of life, and for someone who has mostly negative experiences with healthcare, it was refreshing to have people believe that my pain was real and could be treated. I have long-existing spinal problem exacerbated by desk work. It severely impacted my sleep and limited my physical activity for the last decade. Since, for the first time, I had insurance that would even begin to cover a non-injury specific issues, I went 2-3 times a week for two months and did the work outside of appts. It certainly wasn't easy or inexpensive, even with insurance, but my outcome was phenomenal and it's some of the most significantly positive healthcare i've ever received. Dan, Kelly, and Jihl were wonderful professionals and I genuinely appreciated their insights. I wish places like this could operate less like a business, and provide treatment to the people who need it most, but that's true of all US healthcare. But regardless of that, if you have the need, money, and time and are looking for a PT rehab, I wouldn't bother looking anywhere else. Thank you all! <3 Sam

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

I highly recommend this physical therapy location. I mostly worked with Kelly and a little with Danielle, they really listen to my body issues everytime I came in and adjusted my treat to what I needed. They are amazing.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach

I'm so incredibly thankful for Nikki and being able to apply for the UHCF grant. Without the grant, it would probably be impossible to provide my son with regular speech therapy, which he needs. Nikki has been very responsive, helpful, and supportive in helping me through all the ins and outs of the grant. My family and I are so grateful for ABC and all the ways that they have supported my son with special needs!

Response from the owner:We are so happy to help! Thank you for the kind words and trusting us in the care of your child!

I just got discharged today. I am forever grateful for Ivy Rehab for having easily available appointments. I got hit with severe vertigo and what may have been the worst time possible for me. I found that my therapists Dan and Matt really listened, they pushed me, but not to my breaking point, they were incredibly knowledgeable, they could tailor everything to me, they were kind, encouraging, and fun. This place was great and every therapist was amazing with their patients from what I could hear. Even when frustrated with myself, I always had a smile on my face here. I also felt like had great support in my therapists here. I highly recommend this place if you need physical therapy. I can't imagine any place 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, King of Prussia

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!

Tyler Sauders’s team including Emily, Adam, Bri and Kathleen and Marguerite are the most professional, accommodating and well trained therapists in the region! I am a physician and I am extremely critical of the care i receive! Tyler was my primary therapist but on occasion I was treated by others. They are all ultra caring and truly invested in each clients progress, they make you feel like family. In addition, they make the sessions fun and not monotonous! I cannot over emphasize the respect and respect I have for each one of them!

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

Ivy Rehab is truly the best! I had such a wonderful experience from start to finish. The environment was welcoming, and every member of the team made me feel comfortable and supported throughout my recovery. I'm fully healed, and I owe so much of that to their exceptional care. From the receptionists to the physical therapists, everyone was kind, professional, and genuinely invested in my progress. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab to anyone in need of physical therapy!

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

Maximum Performance is a great place for PT. Everyone is professional, friendly and the atmosphere if good. They understand my issues with my spine and have exercises that are working to restore my mobility.

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

Love my time at Ivy Rehab in North Arlington they are all very professional and warm greeting me with a smile always I feel great when I leave the facility

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 – North Arlington

Effective place for PT. AK helps his patients not only with therapy to help the immediate problem, but also with exercises that build strength to keep the problem from recurring. Niso and the staff is always welcoming. A very friendly place with personal attention and productive methods!

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

Between our two kiddos we all LOVE Sarah, Emily, Anna and Ellen!! So kind, SO sweet, and have helped them hit their goals! We all could not be happier.

Response from the owner:Our Maple Grove team is so awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Had a great experience w AK and his team. They are so attentive and caring. They make you feel part of the work family, <3. The moment you walk in they greet you, ask you trivia questions or tells you a riddle just to get your mind going for the day. Very clean and well maintain. If I would need to continue therapy w no hesitation I would choice Ivy rehab in Naperville. Big S/O to AK, Niso & Chandre for making it a great experience <3

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, Naperville

I love this PT clinic. Everyone is so nice. It starts off with Doris at the front desk to the PT techs and physical therapist. I would highly recommend the Kempsville site. I currently attend 3X a week. Everyone here is so friendly.

I've had previous experience with Ivy Physical Therapy. Professional and courteous all the way through the process. The gentleman I was working with today was thorough. Asked many questions that were pertinent with my issue. One thing, was asked if I had trouble lifting, I think I said no. If you could add to my record that, yes, I do have issues with some lifting, even light weight.. I'll be sure to bring that up next appointment. Thanks again.

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