By: Veronica Lelchuk, RMT
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction—commonly shortened to TMJ dysfunction or TMJD—refers to disorders of the joints and muscles that control jaw movement. These joints are located just in front of your ears and allow you to speak, chew, yawn, and even breathe effectively. Each TMJ acts as a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. When this system doesn’t work correctly, it can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect not only the jaw but also the entire head, neck, and upper body.
Because we use our jaws constantly—for talking, eating, expressing ourselves, and more—even mild dysfunction can have an outsized effect on quality of life. And for people who rely heavily on clear speech or controlled breathing (like athletes, singers, teachers, or musicians), the effects can be even more disruptive.
Common Signs and Symptoms
TMJ dysfunction doesn’t always present in obvious ways. In fact, many people live with chronic jaw tension or facial pain for years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Symptoms can include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness, often near the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw during movement
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Facial tightness, especially around the cheeks and temples
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Neck stiffness or pain in the upper back
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Increased jaw discomfort with stress, chewing, or prolonged speaking
These symptoms may occur on one side or both and can fluctuate in intensity based on stress levels, posture, or physical activity.
Who’s at Risk—and Why It Matters
TMJ dysfunction can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, specific populations are more prone to developing symptoms:
- Athletes, especially those who have experienced concussions or whiplash injuries
- Performers such as singers, actors, and musicians who rely on jaw mobility and breath control
- Public speakers and teachers, who spend long hours speaking
- Office workers and students who maintain poor postural alignment
- People with high-stress lifestyles who may clench their jaws or grind their teeth
- Individuals with a history of dental trauma or orthodontics
The takeaway? TMJD is not just a dental problem—it’s a whole-body issue that can significantly affect your well-being and performance, both physically and mentally.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
A combination of mechanical, neuromuscular, and psychosocial factors typically causes TMJ dysfunction. In many cases, the root cause is multifactorial and may include:
Physical and Mechanical Factors:
- Direct trauma to the jaw (e.g., falls, sports injuries, car accidents)
- Whiplash or cervical spine injuries
- Repetitive strain (e.g., frequent gum chewing, chewing hard foods)
- Muscle imbalances or jaw misalignment
- Poor posture, particularly forward head posture
Behavioral and Habitual Contributors:
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding teeth), especially during sleep
- Unconscious tension patterns (e.g., tightening your jaw under stress)
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Resting your chin on your hand while sitting
- Poor sleep posture (especially face-down sleeping)
Psychological and Emotional Factors:
- Chronic stress or anxiety
- Depression or trauma-related tension
- Poor sleep quality or sleep apnea
These factors often interact with one another—stress can lead to clenching, clenching can irritate the joint, and joint pain can increase stress. It’s a cycle we see often, and one we specialize in helping you break.
Why Early Treatment Matters
When left untreated, TMJ dysfunction can worsen over time. What starts as occasional clicking or mild discomfort may develop into chronic pain, jaw locking, or even referred pain in the shoulders or upper back. That’s why early, non-invasive treatment is key. Conservative care not only reduces pain but helps restore mobility, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall quality of life.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Research has consistently shown that manual therapy, combined with corrective exercise and lifestyle education, is a safe and effective approach for treating TMJ dysfunction.
At Pivot Sport, our physiotherapists are trained to look at the body as a whole system. We don’t just treat the jaw, we investigate the root causes, from posture and muscular imbalance to stress and breathing patterns. Our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you move, speak, eat, and rest with ease.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first visit to Pivot Physiotherapy includes a full-body assessment with special attention to your:
- Jaw mechanics and alignment
- Cervical spine and upper back posture
- Facial and neck muscle tension
- Breathing patterns and stress levels
- Habitual movements (like jaw clenching or side chewing)
We’ll also explore your daily routines, work and sleep habits, and history of dental work or head injuries. This holistic intake gives us the insight needed to design an effective and customized care plan.
Treatment Techniques at Pivot Sport
Your treatment plan may include:
Manual Therapy
Skilled hands-on treatment to release tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, neck, and shoulders, including intraoral therapy, where appropriate. (Yes, that means gentle treatment applied inside the mouth with gloved hands to access deep jaw muscles.)
Corrective Exercise
Targeted movement therapy to improve jaw control, posture, and breathing. These exercises support long-term relief by reinforcing proper movement patterns.
Lifestyle Education
We help you identify and shift daily habits that contribute to jaw stress, from sleep posture to chewing patterns. We also offer guidance on stress management techniques, including breathwork, sleep hygiene, and relaxation tools.
Nutritional & Self-Care Advice
Recommendations around foods that reduce strain on the jaw and suggestions for self-massage, heat therapy, and at-home exercises between sessions.
Is It Painful?
Most clients are surprised at how gentle and relieving treatment can be. You may feel a deep, releasing pressure during some techniques, especially intraoral work, but we always work within your comfort zone. Every session is guided by your feedback and adjusted to your needs in real time.
What Makes Pivot Sport Different?
Our multidisciplinary team includes not just physiotherapists, but also chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, sport medicine doctors, and more, all working together under one roof in Mimico and Bloor West Village.
Whether your TMJ issues stem from a sports injury, workplace stress, or everyday wear and tear, you’ll receive comprehensive care rooted in clinical expertise and compassionate treatment.
At Pivot, we believe in treating the person, not just the pain.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Jaw Pain
TMJ dysfunction can sneak into nearly every area of your life, from how you chew your food to how you sleep, speak, or train. It can affect your mood, focus, and even your confidence.
But relief is absolutely possible.
At Pivot Physiotherapy, we help you understand what’s going on, treat it at the root, and support long-term recovery so you can return to the things that matter most, whether that’s your performance on the field, your clarity during a big presentation, or simply enjoying a pain-free meal.
Ready to feel better?
📍 Book your TMJ Assessment today at our Bloor West Village or Mimico location.
[ Call to Book ]
📞 416-767-4868
Let’s get you talking, eating, and moving without pain.
About Veronica:
Veronica has been a Registered Massage Therapist for over 15 years. She prides herself on providing a safe inclusive space to deliver sensitive non-judgmental treatments tailored to her clients’ goals. She has extensive training in treating TMJ dysfunction and is pleased to offer a calm oasis for those in need of TMJ and other treatments.
References
- Miernik M, Wieckiewicz M, Paradowska A, Wieckiewicz W. Massage therapy in myofascial TMD pain management. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2012;21(5):681-5.
- Gębska M, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of manual soft tissue therapy and therapeutic exercises in patients with pain and limited mobility TMJ. Head Face Med. 2023;19(1):42.
- Delgado de la Serna P, et al. Effects of Cervico-Mandibular Manual Therapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Pain Disorders and Associated Somatic Tinnitus. Pain Med. 2020;21(3):613-624.
