Other conditions
TMJ syndrome
Ultrasound-guided treatment for jaw joint pain, clicking and restricted opening.
Understanding the condition
The joint you use several thousand times a day
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull just in front of the ear. It contains a small cartilage disc, and problems arise when that disc, the joint surfaces or the muscles that control them stop working together — after trauma, with clenching and grinding, with arthritis, or with no clear trigger at all.
TMJ problems sit awkwardly between dentistry, ENT and musculoskeletal medicine, and patients often arrive having been passed between them. Our contribution is the musculoskeletal one: accurate ultrasound assessment and image-guided treatment of the joint and the surrounding structures.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- Pain in front of the ear, in the jaw, or across the cheek
- Clicking, popping or locking when opening the mouth
- Difficulty opening wide, or chewing tough food
- Headaches around the temples
- Jaw fatigue or tightness, often worse in the morning
- Ear pain or fullness with normal ear examinations
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
TMJ treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Where injection is appropriate, it is performed under ultrasound guidance into the joint or the surrounding soft tissue — this is a small, superficial joint sitting close to important structures, so it is not injected by landmark alone.
Bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip, concentrated in a centrifuge, and placed by Dr. Movva under ultrasound or X-ray guidance so the treatment reaches the structure that is actually injured.
Before surgery or steroids
Why look at regenerative options first?
Most TMJ problems are managed conservatively, and should be: a night guard, jaw physiotherapy, stress and clenching management, and treatment of the neck often do most of the work. Jaw surgery is a last resort.
We will be straightforward about what we can and cannot contribute. If your problem is primarily dental or bite-related, you need a dentist or an oral surgeon, and we will tell you that rather than injecting the joint.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Ultrasound assessment of the joint and surrounding muscles
- Ultrasound-guided injection where a joint or soft-tissue target is identified
- Referral for a night guard or dental assessment where that is the primary issue
- Treatment of the neck and posture where these are contributing
- Jaw mobility and relaxation work
Every plan begins with a detailed assessment. Dr. Movva will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right option for your case.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after treatment
All patients go home the same day. Mild soreness at the bone marrow collection site and injection areas is common for several days, as the healing process begins with a natural inflammatory response.
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First few days
Mild soreness or stiffness is typical.
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Weeks 2–6
Gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function.
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Months 2–6
Continued healing as stem cells and growth factors support tissue repair.
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Your rehab plan
Dr. Movva provides a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Related
Other conditions we treat
Am I a candidate for regenerative orthopedic treatment?
Candidates are typically individuals seeking non-surgical options for joint pain, sports injuries, tendon or ligament damage, or degenerative orthopedic conditions. Your physician will determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and overall health.
Who may not be a candidate?
Certain advanced injuries, severe joint damage, active infections, or specific medical conditions may make regenerative treatment less appropriate. Every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine the safest and most effective treatment approach.
Are there risks or side effects?
Most patients experience only mild soreness, swelling, or stiffness for a few days after treatment. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which your physician will discuss during your consultation along with the expected benefits based on your condition.
How long before I notice improvement?
Healing is a gradual biological process. Some patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, while others continue to experience progress over several months as damaged tissues respond to regenerative treatment.
Consultation request
Ask about TMJ treatment
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movva at our Dallas office.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call (817) 442-9292 or text (817) 441-0457.
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