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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Megan has been an incredible resource throughout my knee surgery recovery process. She focuses on the key pain points and recovery areas, and is all around a wonderful person to work with!

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

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

Incredibly competent team offers hope! With their guidance and encouragement I am back to running! Grateful and thrilled. Thank you Taryn, Amanda, Kristy n and interns.

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

Both therapists (Steve and Alex) are great! I went in with several non-specific issues ("it hurts but scans say nothing is wrong"). They evaluated my movement, listened to my description, and identified potential issues. They explained everything as we worked through the issues. I am very happy to say that I can do things now that I haven't been able to do in over a decade. I am so glad I found them. Excellent!

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

After rupturing my bicep tendon, I knew I had a tough road ahead. I was not looking forward to the long, grueling process of physical therapy. But that feeling would soon change upon my first visit to Ivy Rehab. Being treated with the utmost professionalism, my therapy went extremely smooth. I am very happy I chose Ivy Rehab. Paige and her entire team made every session an absolute pleasure!!! Made some new friends along the way too. I highly recommend them for any/all your rehabilitation needs.

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

I had an outstanding experience with Connie Darrow and all of the staff at Ivy Rehab Princeton. I had a totally personalized routine and as my therapist learned about more of my future goals (biking, skiing, etc.) she adapted my program to help prepare me for them. Front office staff were also excellent, very flexible with scheduling, and great communicators when there were issues with local traffic or illnesses. I will definitely be going back if I need more PT in the future!

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, Princeton

PTW- Montgomeryville is an excellent place to go for PT. Usually PT places are boring, sad, and lack energy. This place is far from that. The physical therapists keep it exciting and help take your mind and focus off your pain. The place is clean, sanitary, and organized. The staff are friendly, helpful, and fun!

The entire staff is wonderful. Ebony is the sweetest. She was always so kind and welcoming when we arrived to our appointments. Johnathan, Josh, Christian and Aaron were amazing also. Johnathan was our main therapist. He was exceptional. Johnathan explained the entire process to us and was always available to answer any questions we may have. 💯 satisfaction. Thank you!!!

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

The staff at ivy are very friendly. This is the best place that I have been to . They make every visit comfortable and fun. They are well skilled and very professional. I would recommend this place to anyone .

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

I did six weeks of PT here before my surgery and have nothing but good things to say about my experience. Jenna and Jeff are great. They were able to explain not just what we were working on but why, and were helpful in keeping me informed about what to expect following surgery as well. The entire staff was friendly and accommodating and overall it was a very comfortable place to receive physical therapy.

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

We have had a wonderful experience at Ivy Rehab for Kids. My child has been going there since January of 2023 for PT and OT. The therapists are fun and engaging, always give me tips and ideas on how to incorporate therapy at home, and always listen to any and all concerns we have. The office staff are great. They work hard to find times and availability that fit our schedule.i appreciate their hard work!

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

The team at Ivy Rehab Naperville is fantastic! I had wrist surgery last year and I had built up enough scar tissue to the point where I wasn’t able to return to all of my normal activities. I started working with AK doing massage therapy and dry needling and I’ve been happy with the progress so far. Outside of the actual therapy, Niso at the front desk has been helpful with checking in and rescheduling appointments, the facility is clean, and the team does their best to make PT a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I would recommend this clinic to anyone.

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

Brooklyn, front desk, was fabulous. Her amazing personality makes her excellent at her job. Dealing with the public in pain cannot be easy and she handles it wonderfully. Andrew, physical therapist, was so patient in answering all my questions. He taught me so much about my condition. Where has he been all my life!? I am thrilled to have him as my therapist.

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 – Comstock Park

Before knee replacement surgery I needed to choose a physical therapist. I wanted one close to home since I would need to be driven by family 3 times a week for several weeks. Ivy Rehab was fairly new and close to my home so I chose them. Christine greeted me with a smile every visit. I was blown away by the care, patience, knowledge and expertise the physical therapists, Steve and Alex, showed me. They worked me hard but never more then I could handle. The space is clean and well equipped. My sessions were 1 hour but if I was struggling they never hesitated to spend extra time with me. I couldn’t have gotten my mobility back without their encouragement and positive attitudes. I’m so grateful I chose Ivy Rehab and highly recommended them.

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

WHAT A GREAT TEAM AT IVY REHAB! Had a hip replaced in late August 2022. Went to ivy and found i had truly made the right decision. Their staff is understanding of pain levels, exercise tolerance and necessity of treatment-beyond that, they also focus toward recovery and quality of life. I don't think I could have made a better choice. Great thanks to the ivy team!

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

Ivy Rehab Center is an outstanding rehab center. Receptionist, Physical Therapist and Technicians are all terrific to work with … first class care in every way.

I would like to recognize Ms. Pi, Ms. Brittany, Ms. Kayla, Mr. Micah, Ms. Chewy, and Mr. Nicholas for consistently going above and beyond in the care and services they provide to my son. Their compassion, patience, dedication, and genuine commitment to his growth have made a meaningful difference in his development. They continually exceed expectations, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact they have on our family.

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

I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab in Fishers. My husband worked with Kevin a few years ago after his back surgery. He made such good progress with Kevin, I knew that’s who I wanted to work with me on my knee. I just had a total knee replacement 2 1/2 months ago. Kevin knew just what I needed. His exercises are spot on, and he has answered all of my questions about how or why my knee feels like it does as we progress. I have also worked with Rachel a few times, both before and after my surgery. She is very knowledgeable and helpful and kind. Shannon, our friendly patient coordinator, greets everyone as we walk in. Ask her any question and she’ll have the answer. She will handle scheduling your appointments and can help with insurance matters. I will end the way I began…..I can’t say enough good things about Ivy Rehab in Fishers.

After my husband had been going to Ivy to be treated for tremors. He has been so pleased that I decided to go for tightness that I have in my shoulders and neck. I have to say I also am very pleased with the therapist and tech that work there. They are all kind and willing to help you have relief. This goes all the way from the receptionist to the therapist. Thank you to all those who work at Ivy Rehab in Kokomo, IN.,

I have been to ivy twice once with lower back problems and once after shoulder surgery and they are absolutely amazing and professional! I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of rehab! They strive to help you get back to peak ability! So glad I got help and found ivy rehab! Thank you Matt and Olivia for all the help!

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