Ice or heat therapy for tmj?

Depends: If you have a recently injured tmj, ice is the first thing to try. If that isn't helpful or if the injury is more than a few days old, try heat. If that doesn't help, try alternating ice and heat. If none of these help, get it looked at to make sure it doesn't require splint therapy or surgery. After evaluation, other modalities like neuromuscular massage may be helpful.

Moist heat : My patient's typically get more relief with moist heat if TMJ has been hurting for more than 24 hours. Use a microwave bean bag or microwave a wet washcloth for a minute. Check the temp to avoid burning yourself. Also avoid caffeine, chewing gum and opening your mouth wide as in eating a big mac :) get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress-see dentist if not relieved in one week.

Duration important: I agree with many of the answers here. An acute injury to the mandible or face should be iced. I often recommend a frozen bag of peas or popcorn kernels so that the cold can adhere with contours of the face and jaw. Ten minutes on, the 10 off is usually adequate. Don't leave the cold on for too long of a period at a time. Moist heat is usually used for injuries and pain that has lingered.

Either: Try both. Actual inflammation usually responds better to cold. Muscular pain usually response better to heat. Try both, whatever makes it feel better is the right one.