Your jaw is connected to your skull by the temporomandibular joint. When this joint is harmed or injured, it can lead to TMJ dysfunction. This issue can cause your jaw and the muscles around it to become painful and stiff. Since the joint involves bones, tendons, and muscles, you might experience pain on one or both sides of your jaw, making activities like opening your mouth, speaking, yawning, and chewing quite challenging.
Struggling to chew, yawn, or hearing a click in your jaw? These could be signs of TMJ issues. Book a visit with Stride Physical Therapy for effective treatments to ease your jaw discomfort.
How can I tell if I have TMJ Dysfunction?
Diagnosing TMJ dysfunction doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution. If you suspect you have TMJ issues, your doctor will look over your medical history and examine you. They might also refer you to a specialist like an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or a dentist who focuses on jaw problems.
Before diagnosing TMJ dysfunction, it's important to exclude conditions with similar symptoms, such as trigeminal neuralgia, salivary gland problems, or swollen lymph nodes. After confirming your diagnosis, your treatment will be tailored to your specific symptoms.
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FAQs
If you have TMJ dysfunction, you might experience jaw pain, a popping sensation when you move your jaw, headaches, tender jaw muscles, your jaw getting stuck, temple pain, and ear pain. Common causes are teeth misalignment, constant chewing gum, arthritis, grinding teeth, or a jaw injury.
How will physical therapy help with my TMJ Dysfunction?
Home treatments like painkillers (Ibuprofen, Aspirin) and ice packs might ease TMJ pain. Sedative oils like clary sage or lavender could offer short-term comfort. If these don't help long-term, stronger options like muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, dental splints to stop grinding, acupuncture or even surgery may be needed.
For a natural method to treat TMJ dysfunction, consider physical therapy as a highly effective option. When you visit Stride Physical Therapy, we'll thoroughly examine your neck, shoulders, and upper back to see if they're linked to your discomfort. Our experienced Freehold, NJ physical therapists will then tailor a treatment plan to address your unique symptoms and requirements.
Our physical therapist will assess your jaw movement and ease tension in your neck and head muscles. Physical therapy aims to improve jaw function and muscle-joint coordination. Your personalized treatment may include jaw exercises, massage, joint movement techniques, myofascial release, electric therapy, or ultrasound.
Contact Stride Physical Therapy for relief:
Our caring physical therapists focus on you and your wellness, striving to alleviate your symptoms. If you're in Freehold, NJ and struggling with TMJ dysfunction, book an appointment at Stride Physical Therapy Freehold, NJ. Say goodbye to jaw pain and stiffness.
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
Elevate Your Health with Our All-Inclusive Wellness Services!
Take one step closer to a pain-free life with Stride Physical Therapy! Discover medication and surgery-free solutions with our sessions.
Health Blog
5 Activities To Improve Your Health
Living with constant pain can make the thought of exercise seem impossible. But the reality is, adding even gentle physical activity to your daily routine can significantly enhance your well-being, ease of movement, and general happiness. Read on to discover the benefits of staying active for a healthier, more comfortable life!
The Importance of Good Health
Being healthy is all about your body working at its best, from breathing to blood flow to digesting food. You don't need to be a top athlete - every little thing you do for your body counts toward better health. At Stride Physical Therapy, your physical therapist can guide you with exercises, stretches, and diet tips to boost your health and fitness level.
Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Overall Health Naturally!
Whether on your own or within a full physical therapy program, diverse activities can aid recovery and pain management. Our physical therapist can craft a personalized exercise plan matching your recovery goals if you're healing from injury, uncertain about what exercises suit you, or struggling with chronic pain.
Our expert will evaluate your health condition and goals to recommend the ideal exercises. Combining this with therapeutic techniques like massage, ultrasound, dry needling, hot and cold treatments, acupuncture, or laser therapy can amplify your healing. They work by repairing tissues, soothing inflammation, and alleviating pain, thus enhancing movement and quality of life.
5 Activities to Enhance Your Health
Cycling
Cycling enhances heart health, balance, and leg strength. It’s also lower-impact than running, making it suitable for those with back or knee issues.
Swimming
Swimming reduces the effects of gravity on the body, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis or extremity injuries. Even non-swimmers can benefit from water activities.
Running
Running improves heart and lung health and can reduce pain sensitivity. The "runner's high" offers pain-reducing benefits for chronic pain sufferers.
Weight Training
Weight training builds muscle tissue that supports joints and helps maintain bone density, reducing muscle wastage as you age.
Walking
Walking requires no special equipment and offers low-impact exercise. It improves circulation and benefits weight-bearing joints, especially for those with arthritis.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Good Health
Living healthily requires work, but it gets easier. It's important to eat well, and although exercise may be tough if you have chronic pain, it's key. Opt for physical therapy over medication to tackle pain and lead a healthier life.
Get on Track to Better Health with Physical Therapy
Life is too wonderful to spend it in bed or in a chair. Get up and schedule an appointment with Stride Physical Therapy today. It’s the healthiest move you can make!
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Ready to improve your health and quality of life? Contact Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, and start your journey to better health and a pain-free life.
