99 University Place, 5th Floor
(between 11th and 12th St.)
New York, NY 10003
212-677-5633
Email: bodycentralnyc@aol.com

SPA FINDERS/January-February 2004 "Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)"

TMJ affects the small joints in front of each ear that attach your lower jaw to your skull. It often begins as a slight jaw ache or a nagging click each time you bite. The pain may intensify until it's difficult to eat, or it may go away on its own. Doctors diagnose the disorder only by its symptoms: facial pain, jaw clicking or locking, and tension in the neck and shoulders.

There is no cure, but there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Day spas accomplish this via acupuncture or acupressure massage, chiropractic care, specialized massage, and even--in the Jaw Release treatment at New York City's Body Central day spa--therapeutic ultrasound (vibrations that are similar to sound waves but with a higher frequency). Spa director and chiropractor Jo Ann Weinrib, who formulated the treatment, says the waves penetrate the skin and reach deep within the muscles, thereby reducing spasms and tension. For five to seven minutes, a therapist applies ultrasound by rubbing the jaw and neck with a wand, which emits a gentle, relaxing warmth. To further release tension, moist heat, subtle chiropractic adjustments, gentle facial massage, an eye compress, and aromatherapy round out the hour-long treatment.

To book an appointment, give us a call at 212-677-5633.