TMJ Physiotherapy in Barrhaven, Ottawa
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) physiotherapy assesses and treats jaw pain, restricted opening, clicking or locking, and the neck and postural factors that often accompany jaw dysfunction.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) physiotherapy assesses and treats jaw pain, restricted opening, clicking or locking, and the neck and postural factors that often accompany jaw dysfunction.
How TMJ Dysfunction May Support Your Rehabilitation
This treatment is selected only when it fits your assessment, goals and overall rehabilitation plan.
- Improve comfortable jaw movement and function
- Address related neck and muscle factors when relevant
- Build practical exercises and self-management strategies
- Support return to normal eating, speaking and daily activity
How We Approach TMJ Rehabilitation
- Jaw and cervical spine manual therapy
- Jaw mobility and motor-control exercise
- Postural and neck-focused retraining
- Soft tissue release for jaw and neck muscles
- Education on jaw-friendly habits and load management
Conditions This Treatment May Be Used For
Your assessment determines whether this treatment is appropriate. It may be considered for selected presentations such as:
What to Expect During Your Appointment
We assess jaw opening, movement, clicking or locking, and related neck and postural factors.
Findings are explained clearly, including what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment may include hands-on care to the jaw and neck, plus guided exercise.
You leave with a home program and a plan for follow-up as symptoms change.
Between Visits
You may receive jaw mobility, relaxation, posture or neck exercises depending on your assessment. Progress is based on changes in pain, mouth opening, chewing tolerance and the specific activities that are difficult for you.
Is This Treatment Right for Me?
Suitability, frequency and whether this treatment is combined with other care depend on your assessment, health history, goals, preferences and response. Your physiotherapist will explain the reasoning before including it in your plan.
TMJ Dysfunction FAQ
Can physiotherapy help with jaw clicking or locking?
Physiotherapy can assess the movement, muscle and postural factors connected with jaw clicking or locking and build a plan around what's found. It does not replace dental or medical assessment when that's appropriate.
Do I need a referral for TMJ physiotherapy?
Many patients can book directly, but check your insurance plan if a referral affects your coverage.
Will treatment include my neck as well as my jaw?
Often, yes. Neck posture and mobility frequently contribute to jaw symptoms, so assessment usually includes both.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Your physiotherapist can give a clearer estimate after assessment.
Other Services That May Be Part of Your Plan
Your care plan may combine or sequence services when they are appropriate for your presentation and goals.