TMJ / Jaw Physiotherapy
Soreness when you chew. A click that has started to hurt. A jaw that won't open all the way, or headaches that begin at your temple. Sit down one-on-one with a registered physiotherapist trained in TMJ management, find out what's driving it, and leave with a plan you understand.
What we treat
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the hinge in front of each ear. Problems there and in the muscles around it are often called TMD or simply TMJ. They rarely stay in one place, so we look at your jaw, neck and daily habits together.
An ache in the jaw or cheek, soreness when you chew or talk, or a jaw that's tired by the end of the day.
A click that comes with pain or catching deserves a look. A click with no pain usually needs no treatment, and we'll tell you so.
A jaw that won't open fully, catches partway, or feels stuck in the morning. If it's stuck open, go to urgent care.
Jaw tension from daytime clenching or night-time grinding. We work on habits, muscles and movement, and on the night guard question with your dentist.
Headaches around the temple and pain near the ear can occur alongside jaw problems. We check how they connect, and refer you if something else needs looking at.
Jaw pain can appear after whiplash, a car accident or a concussion, sometimes weeks later and easy to overlook among other symptoms.
Our approach
Your first appointment is 60 minutes. Follow-ups are 30 minutes. You'll know what we found, what we suggest and why, before anything starts.
You complete a short TMJ intake form before you arrive. We go through your history, what sets it off, your dental background, and any signs that you need a dentist or doctor first.
We measure how far and how smoothly your jaw opens, feel the joint and chewing muscles, listen for joint sounds, and check your neck, which often plays a part.
Where appropriate, treatment the same day: jaw and neck mobilisation and muscle work outside the mouth, and inside the mouth if it suits your case and you agree.
Simple jaw exercises, ways to catch clenching, and an honest estimate of visits. With your permission, we can send a summary to your dentist or family doctor.
Treatment inside the mouth
It's the part of TMJ care people are most curious about, so here it is plainly. Research on it is still limited, so we treat it as one option alongside exercise and hands-on work outside the mouth. It isn't a cure on its own, and not everyone needs it.
Some of the muscles you chew with sit deep around the jaw and are easier to reach from inside the cheek than from outside your face. If those muscles look like part of your problem, your physiotherapist may suggest working on them directly.
Your physiotherapist explains the technique first, then wears gloves and uses one finger to apply slow, steady pressure along the inside of your cheek or jaw. It usually takes only a few minutes of the visit.
Expect firm pressure and some tenderness where the muscles are sore, and a strange sensation at first. You can swallow, breathe normally and take breaks. It shouldn't feel sharp, and you only need to raise a hand to stop.
Nothing happens inside your mouth unless you agree, and you can change your mind at any point. If you'd rather not, you can still have treatment from outside the mouth, along with exercises. Tell us about any glove allergy or strong gag reflex.
Who to call first
Physiotherapy suits most muscle and joint jaw pain. If any of these sound like you, please don't wait for a physio appointment. We also screen for them on your intake form and at your first visit.
Your team
Juhi and Devanshi are registered physiotherapists who have both completed TMJ assessment and management training through APTEI. Both also work in pelvic health, where explaining each step, asking first, and stopping when you say so are part of every visit.
Registered Physiotherapist
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 10am – 6pm
I take time to know you as a person, not just your symptoms. Every session is one-on-one, unhurried, and built around what actually fits your life.
Registered Physiotherapist
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9am – 4:30pm
My care is one-on-one and patient-centred, grounded in a biopsychosocial, trauma-informed approach. Recovery is rarely only physical — so I pay attention to the emotional and lifestyle factors that shape how you heal, too.
Frequently asked questions
People often search for a "TMJ specialist", but several professions treat jaw problems. Dentists look after teeth, bite and night guards, and some have further training in jaw and facial pain. Physicians rule out medical causes and manage medication. Physiotherapists assess and treat the muscles, joint movement, neck and habits involved. For most muscle and joint jaw pain you can start with any of them, and it's common to work together. If you have tooth pain or a recent change in your bite, see your dentist first.
A detailed assessment, then a mix of hands-on treatment, jaw and neck exercises, and practical changes to habits such as clenching, chewing and posture. Current guidelines for long-lasting jaw pain favour supervised exercise and hands-on therapy over irreversible treatments, though many studies are small, so we'll be straightforward about what to expect.
No. It's one option, used only when it suits your case and you agree. Many people do well with exercises and treatment from outside the mouth.
The initial 60-minute assessment is $125 and 30-minute follow-ups are $75. Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy, and we direct bill major Canadian insurers. Call us at (905) 635-5711 and we can help you check your coverage before you book.
No. You can book directly online or by phone. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note for reimbursement, so it's worth checking your benefits booklet.
It depends on what we find and how long you've had it. Research trials have commonly used about 6 to 10 sessions, but that's not a target and some people need fewer. You'll get a realistic estimate after your assessment, and we'll review it as you go.
Usually not. Painless clicking is common and generally doesn't need treatment. Book if it starts to hurt, catches or locks, or if it's getting in the way of eating or talking.
Those are decisions for your dentist or physician, and they're worth discussing with them. Guidelines and studies don't all agree on either for jaw pain. We're happy to work alongside whatever you and your dentist decide.
Yes, we assess jaw pain after whiplash and concussion. We also treat car accident injuries and handle auto insurance paperwork. Call us first so we can look at how your jaw treatment fits with your claim.
Related services
Neck and shoulder problems often travel with jaw pain, and our physios treat the full range.
Whiplash and collision injuries, with direct billing to your auto insurer and paperwork handled.
When pain has lasted longer than expected, a broader plan can help.
Clinically reviewed by Physiotherapy Team
NEXT STEP
Whether you're booking for yourself, sending a referral, or not sure which service fits, the next step should feel easy.
