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
Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?
Struggling with Persistent Back Pain? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
If you're dealing with unusual back or neck pain, or even numbness in your limbs, it could be due to a herniated disc. These issues can cause a range of confusing symptoms, but you don’t have to face them alone!
Our physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy are here to help you understand herniated discs, their symptoms, and how we can help relieve your pain through targeted treatment.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s outer layer weakens and allows the inner fluid to push outward. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock to keep the spine stable. But over time, wear and tear or sudden injuries can cause these discs to bulge or tear, leading to a herniation. Common causes include aging, accidents, or even heavy lifting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Not all herniated discs cause pain, but if they press on nearby nerves, you might experience:
Pain that increases with movement, like standing up or sitting down
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Discomfort in the lower back, especially after bending or twisting
Neck pain (if the affected disc is in the cervical area)
Symptoms following an accident or physical stress, like lifting a heavy object
If you find that heat, cold, or massage brings relief, it could be a strain rather than a disc issue. For accurate diagnosis, imaging such as an X-ray is often the best approach, as it can reveal whether a disc is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy offers effective relief and can help you regain strength and mobility without invasive measures. Our therapists will begin with a full assessment, pinpointing the exact cause of your pain to create a personalized recovery plan. Your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
Ice and heat therapies for pain management
Traction to gently relieve pressure on spinal discs
Advanced techniques like Class IV laser therapy or TENS for targeted relief
Education on posture and safe lifting to prevent future injuries
Our goal is to help you heal naturally, minimizing the need for medications or surgery. Physical therapy is a holistic approach designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support your body’s healing process.
Ready to Feel Better?
A herniated disc can be painful, but recovery is within reach. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy, even avoiding surgery. We’re here to strengthen your back or neck, support your recovery, and help you avoid future injury.
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your back pain and get you back to doing the things you love.
