Long Island's only physical therapy practice exclusively dedicated to and specializing in the treatment of TMJ/TMD and related orofacial pain.
Our Story
The TMJ Relief Center was founded to provide an alternative to the limited options for TMJ sufferers: invasive surgery or minimal intervention. The discord between dental and medical professionals often left patients with a difficult choice between drastic surgery or a "less is best" approach, causing many to continue suffering. Despite physical therapists being trained in TMJ and jaw mechanics, there has traditionally been little effort to seek out TMJ patients or advance clinical practices beyond initial education. The TMJ Relief Center was established to change this. We actively seek out these patients and have developed a specialized approach focused on Release, Rebalance, and Relief. Our techniques include releasing tight muscular structures, rebalancing jaw mechanics and strength, and ultimately bringing relief through education and awareness. This approach has become the cornerstone of our success in treating TMJ dysfunction.
Our approach
Currently, the TMJ Relief Center serves a small geographic area from one treatment center. Our clinical approach utilizes manual therapy techniques such as intra-oral releases, joint mobilizations, myofascial release and massage, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, and patient self-care strategies. We also offer clinically proven modalities like microcurrent, TENS, ultrasound, and light therapies.
To date, our brand has grown purely through "word of mouth." Our uniqueness and clinical success have supported our mission. Now, we aim to expand our reach by potentially partnering with a larger physical therapy network with multiple clinical sites. We hope to solidify our brand and document our methodologies to reach anyone suffering from TMJ and related conditions.
What sets us apart
As with most physical therapy practices, our primary focus is our patients. What sets The TMJ Relief Center apart is our singular clinical focus on TMJ and related conditions. This exclusive concentration allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of what our patients are experiencing—not only their painful symptoms but also how their daily lives are impacted by their condition.
This dedicated focus enables us to develop and provide the most effective clinical treatments, ensuring we can positively influence our patients' lives.
OUR GOAL
The TMJ Relief Center's goal is to provide the most up to date, effective, treatment approaches to those suffering with TMJ and related conditions. Our singular approach allows us to focus our efforts providing us with clinical knowledge and empathy unmatched in our field.
CHRISTOPHER A. JUNKER, P.T.
My Journey
At the start of my career, I found myself in a distinctive position, working extensively with a large number of TMJ/TMD patients. This opportunity arose from my collaboration with some of the leading TMJ dental experts in my area. Through my early experiences with this patient group, I became acutely aware of the challenges they faced and the significant gaps in clinical care and effective treatment methodologies for those dealing with TMJ/TMD and related conditions. These patients, often caught between the dental and medical fields, were typically provided with limited TMJ therapies, with recommendations often reduced to "eating soft foods" or consulting an oral surgeon.
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Driven by a desire to offer better solutions for these patients, I committed myself to refining my expertise through collaboration with the dental community, consultations with educational experts, and continuous participation in advanced education and certifications. My goal was to provide TMJ patients with a truly effective treatment option.
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Over the past 30 years, this dedication has led to the development of a specialized approach that consistently helps individuals suffering from TMJ and related conditions regain their quality of life. The "3R" TMJ Relief Method—a comprehensive, condition-specific guide—integrates the most effective techniques I've honed through decades of clinical practice, focusing on three core principles: Release, Rebalance, and Relief.
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Today, My goal is to not only continue to develop new and effective clinical approaches, but to also expand the reach of the TMJ Relief Center allowing for convenient access to those within our communities who need help with this condition. Future collaboration with the larger physical therapy community will allow me to help other clinicians learn how to most effectively treat and help their future TMJ patients.
CONTACT US
Release, Rebalance, Relief
junkertmj@yahoo.com
631-921-1641