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. As a physiotherapist specializing in jaw pain relief, 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Manual Therapy & Stretching

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

4. Strengthening & Coordination Exercises

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

5. 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.

6. 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.