TMJ Disorder Treatment in Watchung, NJ
What Is TMJ Disorder and How Does It Affect You?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) is more than just jaw pain—it can cause chronic discomfort in your jaw, face, neck, and head, often disrupting your daily life. TMJ dysfunction may also lead to headaches, ear symptoms, shoulder pain, and even affect your posture and breathing.
At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness in Watchung, NJ, we specialize in helping patients find long-term relief from TMJ symptoms through expert hands-on physical therapy, customized to your needs.
Common TMJ Symptoms We Treat at Soma Vita Physio
We frequently help patients with:
- Jaw pain or tightness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Headaches or facial pain
- Neck stiffness and shoulder tension
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth comfortably
Self-Care Tips for TMJ Pain Relief at Home
While professional treatment is key, here are some ways to reduce TMJ discomfort on your own:
- Improve Posture: Keep your head aligned over your shoulders and avoid forward head posture.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Use techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 to calm jaw and neck muscles.
- Jaw Mobility Exercises: Gentle jaw stretches or massage can improve circulation and decrease tension.
- Reduce Jaw Strain Habits: Limit gum chewing, nail-biting, and teeth grinding.
- Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
For personalized exercises and hands-on care, consult a physical therapist who specializes in TMJ dysfunction.
Why Choose Soma Vita Physio for TMJ Treatment in Watchung, NJ
At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, we take a whole-body approach to TMJ disorder.
Our treatments go beyond the jaw—we assess posture, breathing mechanics, airway function, and the interconnectedness of the cervical spine, jaw, and shoulders.
What Makes Us Different?
When it comes to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), we take a holistic, patient-centered approach that goes beyond just addressing the jaw. Our goal is to restore balance to the entire body to alleviate pain and improve function.
Here’s how we set ourselves apart:
- Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Treatment: Address the root causes of your TMJ, not just the symptoms.
- Collaborative Care: We work closely with dentists, orthodontists, and airway specialists to ensure a coordinated approach.
- Hands-On Manual Therapy: Gentle joint mobilizations, soft tissue work, and myofascial release techniques.
- Personalized Programs: Tailored exercises, posture coaching, and breathing retraining.
- Ongoing Support: Regular follow-ups to ensure your progress and avoid setbacks.
Ready to get started? Book your appointment today!
Book Your TMJ Assessment Today
Stop living with jaw pain, headaches, and neck tension. Take control of your health and feel better with expert TMJ physical therapy in Watchung, NJ. Request your consultation today.
Why Choose Soma Vita Physio & Wellness for TMJ/TMD Physical Therapy
At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, we understand that TMJ disorder is more than just jaw pain—it’s headaches, neck tension, disrupted sleep, stress, and frustration when everyday things like eating, talking, or exercising feel uncomfortable.
You’ve probably been told to “live with it” or offered short-term fixes that don’t get to the root cause.
That’s not how we do things.
We specialize in helping people who are tired of band-aid treatments and want to understand why their jaw is hurting, how it’s connected to the rest of their body, and what they can do to finally feel better—for good.
Whether you’re a busy professional, parent, athlete, or someone who simply wants to enjoy life without jaw pain dictating your days, we’ll meet you where you are and create a plan that fits your goals.
Our approach to TMJ care is:
🔹Root-Cause Focused: We don’t chase symptoms—we assess the full picture including your jaw, neck, airway, posture, and breathing.
🔹 Board-Certified Expertise in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Dr. Stella Dimitrakakis is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association—a designation earned by only 4% of physical therapists nationwide. This means your care is guided by the latest evidence, research-backed strategies, and a deep understanding of complex orthopedic and sports injuries.
🔹 Elite Manual Therapy & Movement Science Integration
From Functional Manual Therapy™ to advanced strength training and movement retraining, we combine hands-on techniques with personalized exercise programs tailored to your goals, your body, and your life.
🔹Whole-Body Restoration
Because your jaw doesn’t work in isolation, neither do we. We help you move, breathe, and feel better as a whole person.
🔹 Nervous System & Breathwork Integration
Pain is not just mechanical. We integrate breathwork, nervous system regulation, and mind-body strategies to help you break pain cycles and move with freedom and ease.
🔹 1-on-1, Unrushed Care—Every Time
No double-booking. No techs. No insurance-driven restrictions. You get our full attention, every session.
🔹 Customized Care for Active Lifestyles — Whether you’re a runner, lifter, parent, or weekend warrior, your care plan is tailored to your body, goals, and activities—so you can get back to what you love, stronger and more resilient.
🔹 Prevention-Focused Care — We don’t just treat pain—we empower you with the tools, education, and strategies to prevent injuries from returning.
We don’t believe in bandaid care.
We believe in getting you back to your life—pain-free, strong, and confident.
✅ Not sure if we’re the right fit?
That’s why we offer a Free Discovery Call—to hear your story, answer your questions, and help you decide if our approach is right for you.
✅ And if we’re not the perfect fit?
We’ll connect you with one of our trusted colleagues to make sure you get exactly what you need.
🔵 Click below to request your Free Discovery Call today. Let’s help you move, feel, and perform your best—without limits.
What Other People Just Like You Are Saying About Soma Vita Physio Wellness in Watchung NJ
80+ 5-Star Reviews
- Acleema K.
“If there were a ten-star rating, I would give it to PT Dimitrakakis. She worked continuously with excellent results, on my jaw and neck because of my TMJ issues. She was very dedicated on my well being and me getting on the road to recovery…Love Her!!”
- Mona C.
“I met Stella on February 19, 2016, for physical therapy on my right elbow. Greeted with a warm friendly smile. Next an evaluation and care plan were done. The rest is really history. She has been my Physical Therapist up until now, December 20, 2022. She is AMAZING, CARING, EMPATHIC and the one I trust with my PT care. Her bed side manners are impeccable and very professional. She always makes sure your posture and technique are correct, so you get the most benefit out of your physical therapy treatments. Know that she is always on your side and cheering you on. You are safe in the care that Stella provides.”
- Linda G.
I started seeing Dr. Stella in April ’23. I have struggled with TMJD, head and neck pain for 20+ years. I would see PTs, some specializing in TMJD, and would get relief but eventually the pain would come back.
Dr. Stella is the first PT I have seen that has ever focused on the root of the problem. She knows more about TMJD than my dentist does! My condition is chronic so I don’t expect to be 100% symptom free. But I can say I have less frequent and less severe flares while in maintenance phase (once ev. 4-6 weeks) with Dr. Stella vs. results I’ve acheived going to traditional PT 3 times a week. Dr. Stella also has an amazing wealth of knowledge & techniques. She has used traditional exercise/strengthening based PT along with specialized hands-on manipulation/massage. I am always amazed with how much releif I get from some of the non-traditional techniques. She is also generous with her knowledge and techniques, teaching me tools I can use at home for pain relief between visits. Dr. Stella is down to earth, friendly and caring. I am grateful for finding her on my journey to feeling better.
