Relief from Jaw Pain and Headaches with TMJ Treatment

TMJ treatment can provide long-lasting relief against jaw pain and headaches. If you are interested in beginning treatments to see which therapeutic techniques may be the most effective for you, schedule a complimentary consultation at Twin Boro Physical Therapy.

In addition to TMJ treatment, Twin Boro Physical Therapy offers services in several therapeutic areas. At each of our 51 locations across 13 New Jersey counties, you will find experts in specialty fields such as:

• Arthritis Rehabilitation
• Geriatric Rehab
• Hand Therapy
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Physical Therapy
• Spinal Orthopaedic Rehab
• Sports Rehab / Physical Therapy
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Workers’ Compensation

What exercises reduce TMJ pain?

A physical therapist will be able to create a plan suited to your condition to reduce TMJ pain. However, many patients benefit from the following exercises:

1. Resist mount closing and opening
   1. Add pressure to your chin with your thumb and try to open your mouth against the resistance. Next, place the index finger below the lower lip (sitting on the top ridge on the chin) and apply pressure against your mouth closing. Try to close your mouth against this resistance. Repeat 10-15 times.
2. Tongue lifts
   1. Keeping your tongue touching the roof of your mouth, slowly open and close the mouth. Repeat 10-30 times.
3. Side-to-side jaw movements
   1. Bite down on an object that is the thickness of two popsicle sticks (using two popsicle sticks is recommended). Slowly move the jaw from side to side. If this is easy, use an object with slightly more thickness. Repeat 10-30 times. You can gradually increase the thickness of the object as symptoms improve. 
4. Forward jaw movement
   1. Biting down on an object with similar thickness as the above exercise (using two popsicle sticks is recommended, about 0.25 inch), slowly move your jaw forward so the bottom teeth move in front of the top teeth. Hold this position then return to starting. Repeat 10-30 times. You can gradually increase the thickness of the object as symptoms improve.
5. Double chin movements
   1. Sit or stand with your back straight and your shoulders down. Slowly pull your chin in towards your neck so you create a “double chin.” Hold here for 3-10 seconds and repeat 5 times.

Additional physical therapy methods to treat TMJ

In addition to therapeutic exercises, there are several TMJ treatments available that work in tandem with exercise to promote the most effective results. These include methods such as soft tissue massages, joint mobilization techniques, myofascial techniques, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and acupuncture. 

When you go in for your complimentary consultation, your physical therapist will assess your jaw mobility, neck tension, jaw tension, and your general head area to determine which techniques may prove the most beneficial. In most cases, several methods will be used at the start, and your physical therapist will monitor your progress to see which techniques you benefit from the most.

Let’s work together!

Physical therapy is a great way to relieve jaw pain and headaches through targeted TMJ techniques. If you live or work in New Jersey and are interested in getting started, contact Twin Boro Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment at the nearest clinic to you. We can be reached by calling 732.554.0775 or visiting our website.