TMJ Clinic

TMJ Clinic at Elite Physio Kanata

Jaw discomfort may not seem like a big deal at first, but when the pain becomes persistent or interferes with eating, speaking, or even yawning, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are often the culprit, causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The good news is that relief is possible. At Elite Physio Ottawa, we offer specialized care for TMJ-related issues, helping patients find comfort, restore movement, and improve their daily functions.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure located at the base of your skull that connects your jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull. This joint enables basic motions like talking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint becomes dysfunctional, it results in what is commonly referred to as a TMJ disorder or TMD.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Jaw pain or tenderness: Discomfort that may radiate to your ear, neck, or head.
Popping or clicking sounds: Audible noises when opening or closing your mouth.
Difficulty chewing or biting: A feeling that your jaw is “stuck” or misaligned.
Lockjaw: Limited range of motion that makes it difficult to open or close the mouth.
Headaches: Pain that resembles tension headaches often accompanies TMJ issues.
Ear aches or ringing: These symptoms, though surprising, are commonly linked to TMJ dysfunction.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorders

Jaw or Dental Misalignment: Improper alignment of teeth can lead to uneven pressure in the jaw.
Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep) puts strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Stress: Emotional stress can create tension in facial and neck muscles, exacerbating jaw pain.
Trauma or Injury:A blow to the face or jaw may result in TMJ dysfunction.

Our Approach to TMJ Treatment

Detailed Evaluation

We start with a thorough assessment to understand the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder. This includes examining jaw movement, posture, and muscle tension in the surrounding areas.

Manual Therapy Techniques

Hands-on methods such as soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilization help release tension, improve blood flow, and restore mobility in the jaw and neck.

TMJ-Specific Exercises

We tailor exercises to your condition, focusing on improving jaw alignment, strengthening the supporting muscles, and restoring natural movement patterns

Posture Correction

Poor posture, especially forward head positioning, can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. We provide guidance on improving neck and upper spine posture to reduce undue stress on the jaw .

Education on Habits

Many TMJ troubles are linked to chronic habits like teeth grinding or excessive gum chewing. We educate you on recognizing and minimizing these behaviors to support long term recovery.

Pain-Relief Modalities

If necessary, we incorporate techniques like ultrasound therapy or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Why Choose Elite Physio Ottawa?

At Elite Physio Ottawa, we recognize the unique challenges posed by TMJ disorders, and our team takes a compassionate, individualized approach to your care. By addressing your pain holistically, we seek to improve not just your jaw function but also your overall wellbeing.

Our clinic is equipped with the latest tools and backed by years of expertise managing TMJ dysfunction. Whether your discomfort has just started or has affected you for months, we’re ready to help you rediscover relief and ease in your daily life.

Book an Appointment Today

Don’t let TMJ pain hold you back any longer. With expert care and personalized treatment, Elite Physio Ottawa can help you find lasting relief and restore your jaw’s natura function. Contact us today to schedule your consultation—your path to a pain-free jaw starts now.