TMJ Treatment
Targeted Relief for TMJ Pain in Ithaca, NY
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and facial tension can all stem from TMJ dysfunction. If you’ve been managing symptoms with night guards, heat, or just hoping it goes away, there’s another option.
At Freeman Chiropractic Wellness, we use a combination of soft tissue techniques to directly and effectively address jaw pain and tension. We work both outside and inside of the mouth to ensure that we fix the entire problem.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. When the joint or surrounding muscles become irritated, it can lead to:
Pain or soreness in the jaw, face, or neck
Clicking or popping when opening the mouth
Headaches or ear discomfort
Limited or uneven jaw movement
TMJ dysfunction can develop from clenching, grinding, stress, poor posture, or injury, and it often involves more than just the jaw.
I’ve tried massage for my jaw already - how is this different?
Most manual therapy for the jaw only focuses on the more superficial muscles - the temporalis and masseter. While this is effective for some patients, our experience shows that it is not enough for many to find relief. There are actually four muscles of mastication in total (chewing muscles), and we include intra-oral techniques to address the deeper muscles - the pterygoids. While this can be slightly uncomfortable during treatment, it can be done quickly and effectively, and most patients notice a substantial reduction in tension and pain immediately after their first treatment.
Our Approach
We don’t treat symptoms in isolation. TMJ issues often involve the jaw, head, neck, and posture, so we take a whole-body view. Your treatment may include:
Effleurage (massage)
Trigger point therapy
Pin-and-stretch
Postural guidance and home exercises
Everything is tailored to your situation. No upsells. No pressure.
What to Expect
We start with a full assessment and a clear explanation of what’s contributing to your symptoms. If our treatment is right for you, it will also be included in your first visit. We’re confident that you’ll notice a difference quickly - most patients experience significant relief immediately, and are able to reach their goals in fewer than 5 visits.
Schedule a Visit
If TMJ pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, we may be able to help.
Use the button below to book your first appointment. If you have questions first, feel free to reach out.