Expert Treatment & Physiotherapy for Jaw Pain, Clicking, and TMJ Dysfunction

Do you experience jaw pain, clicking sounds, or discomfort when chewing or yawning? You may be suffering from TMJ dysfunction — a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. At Clover Physiotherapy in Toronto, we specialize in TMJ physiotherapy to help you find lasting relief from jaw pain and restore normal, pain-free movement.

Our registered physiotherapist, Kaitlin Vance, holds a certificate in Evaluation and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders and Craniofacial Pain, giving you access to specialized care right here in downtown Toronto.

Understanding TMJ Dysfunction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows you to talk, chew, and yawn by connecting your jawbone to your skull. When the joint or surrounding muscles become irritated or imbalanced, it can lead to temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) — a painful and often misunderstood condition.

TMJ dysfunction can affect not only your jaw but also your head, neck, and facial muscles, often leading to headaches, ear pain, or even dizziness.

At Clover Physiotherapy, we use a comprehensive, hands-on physiotherapy approach to restore proper jaw alignment, relax overworked muscles, and relieve TMJ pain naturally.

Common Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)

  • Stress and tension leading to muscle tightness

  • Jaw injury or trauma (e.g., whiplash, impact, or dental work)

  • Postural imbalances involving the neck and shoulders

  • Arthritis or inflammation in the joint

  • Misalignment of teeth or jaw (malocclusion)

  • Prolonged dental procedures or mouth opening

Because TMJ dysfunction is often multifactorial, our physiotherapists perform a detailed assessment to identify both the joint and muscular causes before building your personalized plan.

Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

You may have TMJ dysfunction if you notice:

  • Jaw pain or tightness when opening or closing your mouth

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw

  • Difficulty chewing or biting

  • Locking or limited range of motion in the jaw

  • Ear fullness, tinnitus (ringing), or dizziness

  • Headaches, neck pain, or facial tension

  • Pain spreading to the temples or shoulders

If these symptoms sound familiar, TMJ physiotherapy can help address both the cause and the resulting muscle tension.

How Physiotherapy Helps TMJ Pain

At Clover Physiotherapy, our TMJ physiotherapy treatments target the root causes of your pain — restoring jaw mobility, rebalancing muscles, and retraining posture for long-term relief.

Here’s how we do it:

Comprehensive TMJ Dysfunction Assessment

We assess jaw alignment, range of motion, muscle tension, and posture.
We may also ask about stress levels, dental history, and habits like clenching or grinding to identify contributing factors.

Hands-On Manual Therapy

Using gentle physiotherapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and intraoral manual therapy (inside the mouth), we release tension from TMJ dysfunction and improve joint movement.

Muscle Retraining and Stretching

Specific exercises target the jaw, neck, and upper back to correct muscle imbalances and promote proper movement patterns.

Postural and Ergonomic Correction

We address upper spine and shoulder posture — often a hidden driver of TMJ dysfunction — to support long-term recovery.

TMJ Education and Home Program

We teach you self-management tools like jaw relaxation, proper tongue positioning, and home exercises to maintain progress between sessions.

Why Choose Clover Physiotherapy for TMJ Physio & Treatment

Specialized TMJ Expertise

Physiotherapist Kaitlin Vance holds advanced training and certification in TMJ and craniofacial pain treatment.

One-on-One Personalized TMJ Physiotherapy Sessions

Every appointment is private and focused entirely on you — no assistants, no double booking.

Holistic, Root-Cause Approach

We look beyond the jaw, addressing posture, stress, and muscle imbalances that contribute to dysfunction.

Comfortable, Supportive Care

We understand TMJ issues can be painful and frustrating — our environment is calm, compassionate, and patient-centered.

Expected Recovery Timeline

Most TMJ patients begin noticing improvements within 3–5 physiotherapy sessions, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Chronic cases related to bruxism or posture may require a longer plan — but lasting relief is absolutely achievable with consistent treatment and exercises.

What Happens If TMJ Dysfunction Is Left Untreated

Without proper treatment or physiotherapy, TMJ dysfunction can worsen over time, leading to:

  • Chronic jaw and facial pain

  • Limited ability to chew or open the mouth

  • Increased tension headaches or migraines

  • Neck and shoulder dysfunction

  • Joint degeneration (TMJ arthritis)

Early TMJ physio intervention can prevent these long-term complications.

FAQs About TMJ Dysfunction, Treatment & Relief

Can physiotherapy really help TMJ dysfunction?


Yes. Physiotherapy can relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and retrain jaw movement — addressing both symptoms and causes.

Do I need a referral from my dentist or doctor?


No referral is required. You can book directly with our TMJ physiotherapist in Toronto.

How long does TMJ treatment take?


Most patients feel relief within 3–5 sessions. Chronic or complex cases may require ongoing care for full resolution.

Can TMJ cause headaches or ear pain?


Yes. The TMJ shares muscles and nerves with the head and neck, which can lead to referred pain in those areas.

Is intraoral therapy (inside the mouth) painful?


Not at all. It’s a gentle and precise technique used only when appropriate, performed in a safe and hygienic manner.