# TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment Specialized physiotherapy for TMJ disorders and jaw pain in South Surrey. Relief from clicking, locking, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. [Call +1 604 923 8323](tel:+16049238323) ## Symptoms & causes ### Common symptoms - Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint - Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening mouth - Jaw locking in open or closed position - Difficulty or pain when chewing - Facial pain or aching around the ear - Headaches, especially in the temples - Neck pain and stiffness - Changes in how teeth fit together ### Common causes - Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) - Jaw muscle tension from stress - Disc displacement within the TMJ - Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint - Trauma or injury to the jaw - Poor posture affecting jaw alignment - Malocclusion (bite problems) - Excessive gum chewing or nail biting Prevalence 5-12% of adults have TMJ disorders Common age Most common ages 20-40 Recovery time 4-8 weeks with treatment Coverage Covered by extended health ## How We Treat TMJ & Jaw Pain At At Ease Physio in [South Surrey](https://ateasephysio.ca/contact), we provide specialized treatment for TMJ disorders using evidence-based techniques. Our approach addresses both the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles, as well as related areas like the neck and posture. We use gentle [manual therapy](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/manual-therapy) to restore normal jaw movement, specific exercises to strengthen and coordinate jaw muscles, and strategies to reduce harmful habits. ## What to Expect Your initial assessment includes a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw mechanics, muscle tension, neck posture, and contributing factors. Treatment involves gentle manual therapy to the jaw and surrounding muscles, [dry needling](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/dry-needling) for muscle trigger points, [craniosacral therapy](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/craniosacral-therapy) for gentle fascial release, specific exercises to improve jaw coordination, and education on habit modification. Most patients see significant improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. **Learn more:** Explore our articles on [polyvagal theory and jaw tension](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/polyvagal-theory-manual-therapy), [the nervous system’s role in chronic tension](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/nervous-system-approach-better-movement), and [dural layers affecting jaw function](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/dural-layers-central-nervous-system). ### Our treatment services [Manual Therapy Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/manual-therapy) [Dry Needling Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/dry-needling) [Craniosacral Therapy Gentle therapy targeting the skull, spine, and sacrum for headaches and chronic pain Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/craniosacral-therapy) ## Prevention & self-care ### Prevention tips - Manage stress through relaxation techniques - Avoid excessive gum chewing - Maintain good posture, especially head position - Don't clench your jaw during the day - Sleep on your back or side, not stomach - Avoid opening mouth extremely wide - Take breaks from prolonged talking or singing - Address teeth grinding with a night guard if needed ### When to see a physiotherapist - Jaw pain lasting more than a few days - Clicking or popping that becomes painful - Difficulty opening mouth fully - Pain when eating or chewing - Frequent headaches with jaw symptoms - Neck pain accompanying jaw problems - Ear pain without infection ## Meet the Practitioners Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery. ### [Susannah Reid](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) Clinic Owner & Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) ### [Larissa Vishniakoff](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/larissa-vishniakoff) Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/larissa-vishniakoff) ## New to physiotherapy? Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique. [First visit & fees](https://ateasephysio.ca/patient-info#pricing) ## Frequently asked questions **Can physiotherapy help TMJ disorders?** Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective for TMJ disorders. Research supports manual therapy and exercise as first-line treatments for TMJ dysfunction. We address the jaw joint itself, surrounding muscles, and contributing factors like posture and stress. Most patients experience significant improvement with conservative physiotherapy treatment. **How long does TMJ treatment take?** Most patients see noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks of treatment. Complete resolution typically occurs within 8-12 weeks. Chronic TMJ disorders or those involving significant structural changes may take longer. Consistency with home exercises and habit modifications significantly impacts recovery speed. **Should I see a dentist or physiotherapist for jaw pain?** Both can be helpful, and we often work alongside dentists for comprehensive care. Physiotherapy addresses muscle tension, joint mobility, and postural factors. Dentists handle bite alignment, night guards, and dental-related causes. If your jaw pain involves clicking, locking, or muscle tension, physiotherapy is an excellent starting point. **Can stress cause TMJ problems?** Absolutely. Stress is one of the most common contributing factors to TMJ disorders. Stress causes unconscious jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and increased muscle tension. Our treatment includes strategies to recognize and reduce stress-related jaw tension, along with techniques to relax the jaw muscles. **Will I need a night guard for TMJ?** A night guard can be helpful if you grind your teeth during sleep, but it addresses the symptom rather than the cause. Physiotherapy treats the underlying muscle tension and joint dysfunction. Many patients find they no longer need a night guard after successful physiotherapy treatment, though some benefit from using both approaches together. ## Related Conditions [Neck Pain Treatment Comprehensive physiotherapy treatment for neck pain in South Surrey. Specialized care for cervical pain, stiffness, and headaches. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/neck-pain) [Headaches & Migraines Treatment Physiotherapy treatment for chronic headaches and migraines in South Surrey. Relief from tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraine symptoms. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/headaches-migraines) ## Related Articles [Physiotherapy and the Polyvagal Theory: Supporting Your Nervous System Discover how the Polyvagal Theory guides our approach to manual therapy, helping regulate your nervous system for better digestion, mood, and overall health. Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/polyvagal-theory-manual-therapy) [A Nervous System Approach to Better Movement Learn how recalibrating the brain sensory input through holistic physiotherapy promotes lasting relief from chronic tension and restricted movement. Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/nervous-system-approach-better-movement) [Dural Layers Explained: A Hidden Cause of Headaches, Vertigo & Neck Pain What are the dural layers? How the dura mater affects headaches, vertigo, whiplash recovery, and chronic pain — and how gentle manual therapy can help. Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/dural-layers-central-nervous-system) ## Ready to Start Your Recovery? Book your initial assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at South Surrey. [Book an appointment](https://ateasephysio.janeapp.com/) [Call +1 604 923 8323](tel:+16049238323)