Do You Suffer from Jaw Pain? Here’s How Physiotherapy Can Help

Do you experience pain when chewing, yawning, or speaking? Does your jaw click or feel tight? Do you have unexplained headaches or tooth pain?

You might be dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction—a common but frustrating condition. The good news? Physiotherapy can help relieve jaw pain, improve mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.

In this post, I’ll explain what causes TMJ pain and how physiotherapy can help you feel better.

What Causes TMJ Pain?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles become tight or inflamed, it can cause:

• Jaw pain or tenderness (especially when chewing or talking)

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening/closing the mouth

• Headaches, ear pain, or ringing in the ears

• Jaw locking or difficulty opening the mouth fully

• Neck and facial tension

Common Causes of TMJ Dysfunction:

• Clenching or grinding (bruxism), especially at night

• Poor posture, especially from long hours at a desk

• Jaw injuries or dental work

• Stress and muscle tension

• Postural imbalances in the upper back and neck

How Can Physiotherapy Help with TMJ Pain?

Physiotherapy offers a movement-based approach to treating TMJ dysfunction by reducing tension, improving joint mobility, and restoring function.

Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Release

A physiotherapist can perform gentle hands-on techniques to:

• Reduce tension in the jaw, neck, and facial muscles

• Improve TMJ joint alignment

• Increase mobility and decrease stiffness

TMJ & Postural Exercises

Specific exercises help strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, preventing pain from coming back. These may include:

• Controlled mouth-opening exercises to restore movement

• Jaw relaxation techniques to reduce clenching

• Postural exercises to improve head and neck alignment (important for jaw health)

Education & Lifestyle Modifications

Your physiotherapist can teach you daily strategies to reduce strain on your jaw, such as:

• Avoiding excessive gum chewing

• Correcting posture, especially if you work at a desk

• Stress management techniques to reduce clenching and grinding

At-Home Exercises for Jaw Pain Relief

Here are two simple exercises you can try at home:

Controlled Mouth Opening

1. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

2. Slowly open your mouth while keeping the tongue in place.

3. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then close.

4. Repeat 5-10 times.

Chin Tucks for Better Posture

1. Sit up straight and gently tuck your chin toward your chest (like making a double chin).

2. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.

3. Repeat 10 times.

Get Personalized TMJ Treatment with Physiotherapy

If jaw pain is interfering with your daily life, physiotherapy can help. I create personalized treatment plans that address the root cause of your symptoms.

Book a session today to start your journey to pain-free movement!

Pain During Intercourse? How Pelvic Physiotherapy Can Help

Pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is more common than many people realize, yet it often goes unspoken. If you’re experiencing discomfort, know that you are not alone, and more importantly, that there are solutions. Pelvic physiotherapy is a powerful tool in addressing and alleviating pain with intercourse, helping you regain confidence, comfort, and enjoyment in intimacy.

Why Does Intercourse Hurt?

Pain with penetration can have multiple causes, including:

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Overactive, tight, or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles can cause pain, making intercourse difficult or even impossible.

• Vaginismus – An involuntary spasm of the vaginal muscles that makes penetration painful or impossible.

• Vulvodynia – Chronic pain or discomfort around the vulva with no clear cause.

• Hormonal Changes – Low estrogen levels (due to menopause, breastfeeding, or certain medications) can cause vaginal dryness and sensitivity.

• Scar Tissue or Trauma – Past surgeries, childbirth, or injuries can create tension and pain in the pelvic area.

• Endometriosis or Pelvic Inflammatory Conditions – Underlying medical conditions can contribute to pain and inflammation in the pelvic region.

How Can Pelvic Physiotherapy Help?

Pelvic physiotherapy takes a holistic, movement-based approach to treating pain during intercourse. Here’s how it can help:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment & Treatment

A pelvic physiotherapist will assess your pelvic floor muscles for tightness, weakness, or dysfunction. Treatment may involve gentle internal or external techniques to release tension and restore function.

Breathing & Relaxation Techniques

Many people unknowingly hold tension in their pelvic floor. Learning proper breathing techniques and relaxation strategies can help reduce muscle guarding and improve comfort.

Manual Therapy & Stretching

Soft tissue techniques, cupping, and stretching exercises can release tight muscles and improve blood flow to the pelvic area, easing discomfort.

Strengthening & Coordination Exercises

Sometimes, pain arises from weak or imbalanced pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening exercises help improve endurance and control, making penetration more comfortable.

Desensitization & Graded Exposure

For individuals with vaginismus or hypersensitivity, gradual exposure techniques using dilators or guided exercises can help retrain the nervous system and reduce pain responses.

Education & Lifestyle Modifications

Understanding how daily habits, posture, and movement patterns impact pelvic health is key. Small changes in movement and stress management can make a big difference in reducing pain.

You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence

Pain with intercourse is not something you have to just “live with.” Pelvic physiotherapy offers a movement-focused, empowering path toward pain-free intimacy. If you’re experiencing discomfort, seeking help can be the first step toward feeling better in your body and your relationships.

Let’s work together to restore your pelvic health and help you move toward pain-free intimacy.

If you’re in Cobourg and looking for pelvic physiotherapy support, I offer flexible appointment options, including in-home sessions and a private studio setting. Reach out today to start your journey to comfort and confidence.

Clinical Reformer Pilates is a physiotherapy-led approach to movement that helps restore strength, mobility, and function after injury, pain, or major life changes like pregnancy. While many think of Pilates as a fitness trend, its clinical application goes far deeper—especially when guided by a physiotherapist trained in rehabilitation and pelvic health.

Whether you're healing from surgery, managing chronic pain, or preparing for childbirth, Reformer Pilates offers a gentle yet effective way to rebuild your body and improve how you move.

What Is Clinical Reformer Pilates?

Unlike group Pilates classes, Clinical Reformer Pilates is personalized and guided by a registered physiotherapist. The Reformer machine uses springs and pulleys to create resistance and support, allowing you to work through controlled, low-impact exercises tailored to your body’s needs.

It’s commonly used to address:

• Injury recovery (e.g., post-op knees, hips, back)

• Chronic conditions like low back pain or joint instability

• Poor posture and muscle imbalances

• General deconditioning or stiffness
  
  

How Can Reformer Pilates Help in Physiotherapy?

Reformer Pilates is often integrated into physiotherapy plans because it bridges the gap between hands-on treatment and functional movement. Here's how it can support your recovery and long-term health:

Restores Core Stability & Strength

The Reformer challenges deep stabilizing muscles, especially the core and pelvic floor, helping to improve posture, reduce strain, and prevent re-injury.

Improves Mobility Without Overloading Joints

The gliding carriage and adjustable springs provide support while encouraging controlled mobility—ideal for stiff joints or post-op rehab.

Supports Better Alignment & Movement Patterns

Sessions focus on body awareness and proper alignment, helping you move more efficiently in your daily life.

Builds Functional Strength

You won’t just get stronger—you’ll get better at movements you do every day, from lifting to walking to reaching.

Prevents Re-Injury

By building balanced strength and mobility, Reformer Pilates helps reduce compensations and chronic strain patterns.

Is Clinical Reformer Pilates Right for You?

Reformer Pilates can benefit a wide range of individuals, especially those who:

• Are recovering from injury or surgery

• Struggle with recurring pain or tightness

• Want to improve posture, balance, or strength

• Are pregnant or postpartum

• Prefer gentle, guided exercise with a clinical focus
  
  

You don’t have to push through pain or rely on guesswork in your recovery. Reformer Pilates offers a thoughtful, effective path toward feeling stronger, more mobile, and more at home in your body.

If you're in Cobourg or Northumberland County and looking to try Clinical or Prenatal Reformer Pilates, I offer one-on-one sessions in a home-based private studio setting. Let’s work together to support your healing, strength, and long-term wellness. Reach out today to get started.