TMJ / Jaw pain
TMJ physiotherapy focuses on treating dysfunction and pain in the temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It uses hands-on techniques, exercises, and posture correction to improve jaw movement, reduce tension, and relieve headaches, jaw pain, or clicking. Offered at our Oak Bay clinic.
Understanding TMJ dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, facilitating essential movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint becomes dysfunctional—a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD)—it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Headaches or tinnitus
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
- Neck and shoulder tension
TMD can result from various factors, including stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, arthritis, or trauma.
How physiotherapy can help
Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive and effective approach to managing TMD. Our skilled physiotherapists employ evidence-based techniques and create treatment plans that are tailored to your individual’s needs.
What to expect during treatment
Your physiotherapy journey begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying causes of your TMD. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include:
- Manual therapy to address joint and muscle restrictions
- IMS therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Therapeutic exercises to enhance strength and flexibility
- Postural training to alleviate undue stress on the TMJ
- Relaxation techniques to manage stress-induced symptoms
Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to manage your condition effectively and prevent future flare-ups.
