FAQ

A neck muscle knot often returns because the underlying trigger – muscle overload from poor posture, jaw tension, faulty breathing habits, or unresolved soft-tissue dysfunction - has not been fully addressed.  At North Jersey PT, we locate the root cause with hands-on assessment and targeted dry needling plus corrective exercises and myofascial release so the knot releases and does not recur.

Yes, when performed by trained therapists. There are key dry needling techniques, gentler and more effective, which can be done before a race. After a race, a session a few days later can help ease residual tightness and support recovery. We customize timing to your training schedule. Avoid aggressive dry needling before workouts.

Frequency depends on your training load and symptoms. Many athletes benefit from weekly or bi-weekly sessions during heavy training, then less often for maintenance. Acute issues may improve in 2–4 sessions; chronic ones take longer. We combine dry needling, myofascial release, neuromuscular re-education with exercise so results last and create a plan tailored to you.

Tinnitus can stem from TMJ/TMD dysfunction, muscle tension in the jaw, neck, or face, or irritation of the trigeminal nerve; even without an ear infection. Our CCTT-certified therapists evaluate these connections and use targeted TMJ and cranial-facial therapy to reduce the tension that often drives the ringing.  There are jaw muscles that impact the eustachian tubes of the soft palate that can also affect ear pressure, pain, and ringing in the ears.

One-sided headache and jaw pain frequently point to TMJ imbalance, uneven muscle tension, or posture issues on that side. At North Jersey PT, we assess jaw alignment, neck mechanics, and soft-tissue restrictions, then create a personalized plan with manual therapy, myofascial release, dry needling, and exercises to restore balance and resolve the pain.

If dental work hasn’t fully resolved your TMJ symptoms, specialized physical therapy can help. Our CCTT therapists address the muscles, posture, breathing, and joint mechanics that dentistry does not address. Customized exercises, manual therapy, and dry needling often provide the missing piece for lasting relief.

Chronic facial pain is commonly linked to TMJ/TMD disorders, myofascial trigger points, trigeminal nerve irritation, headaches, or airway and posture problems. Our cranial-facial specialists evaluate these interconnected factors and use dry needling, manual therapy, myofascial release, and targeted exercises to treat the root contributors rather than just the symptoms.

Many patients notice improvement immediately, but sustained relief depends on repeating key pain relief exercises over several weeks as we retrain muscles and restore joint function. Progress varies with how long the problem has existed. We set realistic expectations and adjust your plan, so you experience steady, measurable improvement.

Yes. Many chronic headaches and migraines are driven by TMJ dysfunction, neck tension, and trigeminal nerve involvement. Our specialized TMJ and headache protocols—combining manual therapy, myofascial release, dry needling, posture work, and breathing strategies—target these root causes and frequently reduce both frequency and intensity of headaches.

Advanced TMJ physical therapy goes beyond basic exercises. At North Jersey PT, it includes CCTT-level evaluation of jaw, neck, airway, tongue strength and control, and posture, plus precise dry needling, manual techniques, myofunctional therapy, and customized self-care. We treat the whole system, so you gain lasting relief, not just temporary symptom control.

Nasal breathing is optimal.  The nose is for breathing; the mouth is for eating.  The oropharynx is the soft collapsible tube that starts in your soft palate to the base of the tongue to the larynx (voice box).  At the larynx the tube splits into your trachea, which has cartilage and cannot collapse allowing you to breath; and the esophagus for water and food allowing you to eat.  The oropharynx can collapse resulting in sleep apnea during sleep.  The throat muscles of the jaw that has you swallow is part of the oropharynx.