TMJD: Why Most Therapists Don’t Truly Understand It (And How I Approach It Differently)
When it comes to TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), most people don’t realize just how little we learn about it in standard health education. Whether it’s physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, or osteopaths, the training we receive on the jaw and craniofacial system is often minimal. Sometimes barely even scratching the surface. I know…crazy! That means, ultimately, it’s up to your therapist to dig deeper, seek out additional learning, and gain real-world experience to help people with jaw issues effectively.
My Journey Into TMJD
I started working at a physiotherapy clinic focused on TMJD many years ago, and that’s where my real education began. Over time, I realized just how complex and interconnected the jaw truly is and how often it’s affected by posture, breathing, neck mobility, digestion, the nervous system, and more.
The learning curve was steep. I spent years in mentorship, observing and practicing, and learning to identify even subtle signs of dysfunction. Several times a month, we would visit dental clinics to educate dentists, orthodontists, and dental hygienists, teaching them what to look for in clients, how to check for certain signs, and even basic exercises they could suggest. You might assume that dental specialists would automatically know all of this, but it’s far from common knowledge.
It’s also true that not all therapists know how to address TMJD effectively. It takes:
Extensive training and specialized courses
Long-term mentorship with experienced clinicians
Exposure to thousands of TMJD cases with different presentations
This combination of education and hands-on experience is what allows a therapist to see patterns, recognize root causes, and create lasting solutions.
A Conversation That Stayed With Me
I’ll never forget a recent conversation with a client I met for the first time. They had been told that the jaw clicking couldn’t be fixed. Hearing that made me genuinely sad. Not because there isn’t a solution, but because so many people are told to simply “live with it.”
During our conversation, I explained that there are approaches, techniques, and strategies that can help, because I’ve seen thousands of cases like hers. Jaw dysfunction isn’t a sentence to live with forever. Most of the time, invasive interventions aren’t even needed! There’s hope, and there are ways to restore function, reduce tension, and improve quality of life.
What This Means For You
If you’re struggling with TMJD, my message is simple:
Keep asking questions. Don’t settle for “you have to live with it.”
Listen to your intuition. You know your body best.
Seek multiple perspectives. A second, third, or even fifth opinion can make all the difference.
TMJD can be complex, but with the right combination of experience, mentorship, and a whole-body approach, it can be addressed. The jaw is just one piece of the puzzle, and looking at the body as an interconnected system is what allows real, lasting results.
Why a Holistic Approach Matters
The jaw doesn’t exist in isolation. Chronic jaw tension, clicking, or pain often ties into:
Posture and neck alignment
Dysfunctional Breathing patterns and diaphragm function
Stress and nervous system regulation
Muscle imbalances elsewhere in the body
This is why a thorough, system-wide evaluation is also essential. Treating only the jaw is rarely enough and it’s also why seeing someone with the right training and experience matters.
A Note of Encouragement
You don’t have to accept discomfort or dysfunction as your permanent reality. TMJD is manageable, and often highly treatable, especially when approached with care, expertise, and attention to the whole body. Keep looking for answers, keep advocating for your health, and trust that solutions exist.