Treatments
TMJ Management
Specialized physiotherapy for jaw pain, clicking and dysfunction — restoring comfortable movement and function.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Physiotherapy is a specialized treatment designed to assess and manage pain and dysfunction affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Problems with the TMJ can make everyday activities such as chewing, talking, yawning and even sleeping uncomfortable.
Our physiotherapists perform a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore comfortable jaw movement and function.
Conditions we treat
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping or grinding of the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Jaw locking
- Facial pain
- Headaches and migraines related to jaw dysfunction
- Neck pain associated with TMJ disorders
- Muscle tension in the jaw or face
- Teeth clenching (bruxism)
- Pain with chewing or speaking
What does it include?
Your assessment may include:
- Evaluation of jaw movement and range of motion
- Examination of the TMJ and surrounding muscles
- Cervical spine assessment
- Posture evaluation
- Muscle strength and coordination assessment
- Joint mobility testing
- Assessment of contributing habits such as clenching or grinding
How can it help?
Treatment is individualized and may include:
- Manual therapy for the jaw and cervical spine
- Soft-tissue release for the jaw, face and neck muscles
- TMJ mobility and stabilization exercises
- Postural correction and ergonomic education
- Relaxation and breathing strategies
- Education on jaw habits and activity modification
- Dry needling or acupuncture (when appropriate and indicated)
- A home exercise program to improve long-term outcomes
The goal is to reduce pain, improve jaw mobility, restore normal function and help prevent recurring symptoms.
What to expect
Your first visit includes a comprehensive assessment followed by an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your condition, treatment may involve hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, education and self-management strategies. Most patients also receive a personalized home exercise program to support recovery between visits.
Frequently asked questions
Can physiotherapy really help jaw pain?
Yes — TMJ physiotherapy addresses the jaw joint, surrounding muscles and the neck, using hands-on techniques, exercises and education. A detailed assessment determines what's driving your symptoms.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
A referral isn't required, though we're happy to work alongside your dentist or physician when appropriate.
Will I get exercises to do at home?
Most patients receive a personalized home program to support recovery and help prevent recurring symptoms between visits.
Selected references
- American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP). Guidelines for Assessment, Diagnosis and Management of Temporomandibular Disorders.
- Schiffman E, et al. Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache. 2014.
- Armijo-Olivo S, et al. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
The information on this page is general and educational, and is not a substitute for an individual assessment or medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is determined by your physiotherapist.
Related services
Treatments
Manual Therapy
Hands-on joint and soft-tissue techniques to ease pain, restore movement and support your recovery.
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Dry Needling
Thin sterile needles targeting trigger points to relieve muscular pain and restore movement — evidence-based, not acupuncture.
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Acupuncture
Fine-needle therapy to help manage pain and support recovery, delivered by a trained clinician.
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