Temporomandibular Joint (Jaw) Dysfunction (TMJD)

WHAT IS TMJD?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is small but plays a big role in your body, linking your skull and lower jaw while influencing posture, movement, and even breathing. When the TMJ isn’t functioning properly, it can cause jaw, facial, ear, or tooth pain, headaches, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clicking or locking, restricted movement, malocclusion problems and much more. When there’s a problem with the TMJ, we call that TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).

  • At ETHOS Collective Physiotherapy, not only do we address the jaw with very specific manual therapy techniques to restore balance, movement, and ease...

    we take a whole-body approach to TMJD, addressing the root causes of dysfunction

COMMON CAUSES OF TMJD

TMJD is often multifactorial, meaning several factors work together to create dysfunction. Some of the most common contributors include:

  • Dysfunctional breathing patterns – Mouth or chest breathing, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or tongue posture issues can overwork neck, throat, and shoulder muscles, which pull the jaw out of alignment over time.

  • Posture and neck/shoulder tension – Forward head posture, restricted thoracic or neck mobility, or old injuries can create chronic strain on the jaw.

  • Disc displacement – Misalignment of the TMJ disc can cause jaw clicking, locking, or limited range of motion. Average opening is 45–50mm; less than 30mm may compromise essential functions.

  • Trauma or acute injury – Biting something hard, whiplash, or concussion can directly affect TMJ function.

  • Systemic influences – Even digestion, can refer tension to the jaw and surrounding muscles.

  • Old injuries – Past injuries can leave lasting effects throughout your body. Even minor unresolved issues can cause subtle compensations over time, contributing to head, neck, jaw or other postural problems which may set the stage for new injuries.

Why Treating the Whole Body Is Key to Lasting TMJD Relief

At ETHOS Collective, our approach is integrative, evidence-informed, and personalized:

  • Full-body assessment: Posture, thoracic, neck, jaw mechanics, and breathing patterns are evaluated to uncover hidden contributors to TMJD.

  • Tailored treatment plan: Your program combines focused manual therapy for the jaw with whole-body techniques, including functional movement, neural and visceral work, and breath retraining to restore balance, ease, and function.

  • Collaborative care: We work with dentists, orthodontists, or ENT specialists to ensure coordinated management when needed.

  • Experience with complex cases: Years of treating TMJD in private practice means we understand how jaw dysfunction affects the entire body and also how the whole body could affect your TMJ.

Signs You Might Benefit from TMJD Physiotherapy

You may be a candidate if you experience…

  • Direct signs of dysfunction in the TMJ system:

    • Jaw pain, tightness, or fatigue (especially when chewing or talking)

    • Clicking, popping, or locking (open or closed lock)

    • Limited or uneven opening or stiffness

    • Pain when yawning, eating, or clenching

    • Muscle imbalance or tension around the jaw (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids and more)

  • When changes in bite or dental work affect jaw mechanics:

    • Clenching or grinding (bruxism)

    • Bite changes after orthodontic or dental procedures

    • Jaw tension or asymmetry following trauma or surgery (pre- or post-op support)

  • Because jaw dysfunction rarely stays isolated:

    • Facial, ear, or tooth pain

    • Headaches, migraines, or eye strain

    • Tinnitus, ear fullness, or pressure

    • Neck, shoulder, or upper back tightness related to jaw tension

  • Underlying patterns that often drive TMJD:

    • Mouth breathing or shallow chest breathing

    • Postural imbalances (forward head, rounded shoulders, thoracic rigidity)

    • Core and rib cage dysfunction affecting jaw and head position

    • Chronic stress or nervous system overactivation (clenching, holding tension)

    • History of whiplash or head/neck trauma

    • Old injuries resulting in compensation and postural dysfunctions

  • When the jaw reflects something deeper in the system:

    • Chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional holding patterns

    • Fatigue or poor energy regulation

    • Feeling disconnected from the body or “stuck” in fight-or-flight

    • Desire to address root causes, not just manage symptoms

 
Book Your Appointment

Even if your TMJD symptoms are mild or occasional, early intervention can prevent long-term complications and improve function, posture, breathing & movement.

With the right assessment, exercises, and integrative physiotherapy strategies, many clients see dramatic improvement. Some even fully resolve their jaw dysfunction for good!

Take the first step toward lasting relief and whole-body balance. Your first appointment includes a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Book Your Appointment