What is TMJ?
TMJ Physical Therapy
Located in Manhattan's Union Square, NYC
Are you dealing with jaw pain? Do you suffer from mind numbing headaches that profoundly impact the quality of your life? At James Fowler Physical Therapy, our therapists have advanced education and specialized training in TMJ pain treatment, as well as other causes of headaches and migraines.
Through a collaborative approach between Physical Therapy, your Dentist, Oral-Facial Pain Specialist, Oral Surgeon, ENT, MD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, we achieve the greatest success and relief of your symptoms.
We offer a concierge service — private treatment rooms, one patient at a time, 45-minute sessions with a highly experienced Physical Therapist who fully understands your condition.
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What to Expect from TMJ/TMD Physical Therapy
Common Symptoms
- Clicking when you open or close your mouth
- Difficulty and/or pain with chewing
- Bruxism (grinding your teeth) at night
- Locking of your jaw, open or closed
- Headache over your forehead, eyes or back of the head
- Sharp or dull joint pain just in front of your ear
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Ringing or fullness in your ears
- Stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth to talk or eat
Our Treatment Approach
- Manual therapy techniques (soft tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point release, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, strain-counter strain, craniofacial, visceral mobilization, etc.)
- Intra-oral and extra-oral manual therapy
- Postural assessment and restoration
- Exercises to address muscle imbalances
- Training to reduce habits that aggravate your jaw
- Breathing and relaxation training to reduce stress and tension
- Techniques for relaxing your jaw during exercise
Understanding TMD
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) describes a group of disorders involving the jaw joints and associated musculature. Studies suggest up to 33% of people experience TMD, but only 5-12% seek treatment.
TMD can be caused by jaw injury, teeth grinding, stress, habitual gum chewing, nail biting, and poor posture. A majority of patients with TMD also have associated neck pain. Corrective exercises and improved postural habits can prevent pain and dysfunction.
All evaluations include a comprehensive history and examination of your neck and jaw by physical therapists with specialized TMD training.
Programs to Complement Your PT
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage from experienced and certified massage therapists to complement your TMJ treatment.
Learn More →Ergonomic Assessments
Assessment of posture, movement tendencies, and work environment to address alignment and reduce jaw strain.
Learn More →TMJ Yoga
Small class sizes focused on specific injuries, expanding body awareness and mind-pain connection.
Learn More →Ready to get started?
Book your appointment today.