TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles that control chewing, talking, and yawning. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, even routine daily activities like eating or speaking can become painful. Many patients are surprised to discover that their chronic headaches, neck stiffness, or ear fullness are rooted in TMJ dysfunction — not a separate condition at all.
At Healing Star PT, our clinicians assess and treat TMJ disorders using a hands-on, whole-body approach — because jaw pain rarely exists in isolation. We serve patients throughout Monmouth County, including Eatontown, Freehold, Tinton Falls, and Red Bank.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorders:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning or after eating
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Tension headaches or pain at the temples
- Neck and shoulder pain (the jaw muscles connect directly to the neck)
- Ear pain or a sense of fullness without infection
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Limited jaw opening or jaw locking
- Facial fatigue with prolonged chewing or talking
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), often during sleep
Common causes:
- Jaw injury or whiplash
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Disc displacement inside the joint
- Forward head posture and cervical muscle imbalances
- Stress and chronic facial tension
Our approach combines intraoral and cervical manual therapy, dry needling to release trigger points in the jaw and neck muscles (paired with electrical stimulation where indicated), postural correction, and a customized therapeutic exercise program. We coordinate with your dentist or oral specialist when needed to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.
New Jersey is a direct-access state — no referral needed to begin care. [Request an Appointment]