TMJ Rehabilitation

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

The joint that connects the jaw and the skull is not a part of the body most people think about — that is, not until they experience jaw pain or discomfort. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) occurs when someone’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is not operating as it should. To address this condition, Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy provides TMJ physical therapy in Long Island, as well as TMJ rehab, to restore as much jaw function as possible.

What Is the TMJ?

The TMJ directly impacts a person’s ability to eat, talk, yawn and more. Connecting the jaw to the skull, it is a hinge joint that makes movement possible. Unfortunately, it is fairly common to experience dysfunction in this area. 

If a person has jaw pain or fatigue, difficulty opening the mouth completely, a popping sound in the jaw, ear fullness or ringing, headaches, dizziness and/or neck pain, he or she may be suffering from temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

What Is TMD?

TMD is a broad term that encompasses disorders of the temporomandibular joint and its associated anatomical structures. The disorder may be intra-articular, due to inflammation, internal structural changes (internal derangement) or degeneration, or it may be extra- articular due to imbalance or over-activity of the jaw muscles, commonly the muscles of mastication or the cervical muscles. There is a strong correlation between postural dysfunction of the cervical spine and TMD. There are numerous other conditions that can cause pain in the TMJ region.

TMJ Disorders Can Be Treated With Physical Therapy

Non-invasive, conservative treatments have found to be effective. Metro Physical Therapy’s treatment is very effective in relieving and managing TMD, even when the symptoms are long-standing and severe. Through TMJ aquatic therapy, we work to help patients restore proper jaw function. With appropriate physical therapy (PT) for TMJ and by working with a qualified TMJ aquatic therapist, most patients will see a significant improvement in their symptoms within 3 to 6 weeks.