TMJ Physical Therapy in Franklin, NJ
One-on-one treatment for jaw pain, clicking, tension, and TMJ dysfunction at our Franklin, NJ clinic.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
The temporomandibular joint, the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, is one of the most used joints in the body. Every time you chew, speak, swallow, or yawn, it’s working. When something goes wrong with it, the effects show up fast.
TMJ disorders cause jaw pain, clicking or popping with movement, limited mouth opening, tension in the face and temples, and headaches. Many people also experience ear pain or a sensation of fullness in the ear that has nothing to do with hearing. The symptoms can be mild and intermittent or severe enough to make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
Common causes include joint inflammation, disc displacement within the joint, muscle tension from clenching or grinding, and postural issues in the neck and upper back that affect how the jaw functions. Physical therapy addresses the mechanical side of TMJ dysfunction, which is often the most effective non-surgical approach available.
How We Treat TMJ at Franklin Physical Therapy
TMJ treatment at Franklin Physical Therapy begins with a thorough evaluation of the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and cervical spine. The neck and jaw are closely connected, and neck dysfunction often contributes to TMJ symptoms. We assess both.
Treatment includes manual therapy techniques specific to the jaw joint to improve mobility and reduce pain, soft tissue work for the muscles of mastication and the surrounding neck and shoulder musculature, and exercises to retrain jaw mechanics and improve resting posture. Part of treatment is also talking through habits that flare the joint up, like jaw clenching, forward head posture, and certain foods during flare-ups.
TMJ is a specialty area that many physical therapy practices don’t treat. At Franklin Physical Therapy, we have specific training in jaw dysfunction and treat it regularly.
What to Expect from TMJ Treatment
Your first visit covers the jaw, neck, and your history with symptoms. Many patients are surprised by how much the neck plays into their TMJ pain. From there, you’ll work one-on-one at every session.
Most patients with TMJ dysfunction notice real improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, though complex cases or long-standing dysfunction may take longer. Jaw symptoms tend to get better with hands-on treatment when the right structures are being addressed.
Sessions run 30 to 60 minutes. TMJ treatment tends to have a hands-on component at nearly every visit, followed by home exercises to keep progress going between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physical therapy fix TMJ without surgery?
For many patients, yes. PT is often the most effective non-surgical treatment for TMJ dysfunction. It addresses the joint mechanics, muscle tension, and postural factors that drive the symptoms. Surgery is rarely a first option for TMJ, and most patients do well with conservative treatment when it’s done right.
How long does TMJ physical therapy take?
Most patients see improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. Patients with disc displacement or long-standing symptoms may need 8 to 12 weeks. The severity of symptoms and how long they’ve been present both affect the timeline.
What does a TMJ session involve?
A typical session includes hands-on manual therapy to the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, work on the neck and upper back when relevant, and exercise instruction. Some techniques involve working inside the mouth on the muscles of mastication. We explain everything before doing it, and treatment is adjusted based on how your jaw responds.
Why Patients Choose Franklin Physical Therapy
Every session is one-on-one with a licensed therapist, and your plan of care stays consistent as you progress. We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, we see new patients within 48 hours, and we offer home visits for patients who need them. Franklin Physical Therapy is locally owned and based in Franklin, NJ, serving patients across Sussex County.
Related Services
Neck Pain & Headaches
Shoulder Pain
Scar Management
Home Physical Therapy
Ready to Address Your TMJ Pain?
Book a consultation at our Franklin, NJ clinic. We’ll assess what’s going on, answer your questions, and put together a clear plan.