TMJ Treatment Oakville

What is causing your jaw pain?

Dr. Steve has been treating jaw pain and TMJ syndrome for over 15 years. Our Oakville chiropractor has developed his own specific treatment protocol for jaw pain over this time and helped 1000’s of patients with all types of jaw issues. Dr. Steve is one of the few therapists in Ontario who uses Shockwave Therapy to treat TMJ.

Anatomy of TMJ Pain Video:

TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment

Dr. Steve Knighton takes a thorough and evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders and jaw pain. With nearly two decades of experience, he has helped countless patients find relief from discomfort and regain proper jaw function.

As one of the few practitioners in Ontario utilizing shockwave therapy for TMJ conditions, Dr. Steve combines cutting-edge techniques with a holistic treatment plan. His approach includes assessing potential underlying issues in the neck and cervical spine that may contribute to jaw pain. Additionally, he provides patients with simple yet effective at-home exercises to support their recovery and maintain long-term results.

If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, trust Dr. Steve’s expertise for a personalized, results-driven treatment plan.

TMJ Treatment Video:

What Our Patients Are saying

Great staff , very welcoming and knowledgeable

Heidi Bedard
July 7, 2024

Dr. Jenn thank you for all the years looking after our family, you are nothing short of a miracle worker. Always refer friends to your practice, sorry we are moving, you will be missed. Audrey, thank you for always accommodating us on short notice and following up, lifesaver. ... read more

Shona Mindzak
December 7, 2024

Dr. Jenn is amazing! She truly cares about her patients and is willing to try different things in order to see progress. I’ve been struggling with hip pain for years due to my scoliosis, no physio or chiro has ever been able to make a difference other than her, she... read more

Alexia Davies
June 7, 2024
I was initially reluctant to try another chiropractor after a series of bad experiences that left me in more pain. However, my husband visited Dr. Steve at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre following a scary knee injury and had nothing but amazing things to say about his care. He booked me... read more

Ingy ES
September 7, 2024

Dr Steve and team deserve 50 stars - what an amazing experience! From the moment my son arrived and we met the friendly and organized front office to the bold and welcoming intros with Dr Steve, followed by his assessment of the TOS condition, we were confident we were in... read more

Sonia Scrocco
February 13, 2025

Dr. Jenn and staff were amazing! Feeling a lot better these days.

Cody Craig
July 7, 2024
Dr. Steve and his staff have been integral in keeping me in shape to continue to train. Dr. Steve understands the peculiarities of my back and is able to treat me in a manner that I am comfortable with and gets results. He is also very helpful in providing alternative... read more

Scott Campbell
December 7, 2024

Dr. Steve and his assistant Laura did a great job of healing my jaw pain. Laura was always so professional and her Shockwave treatment really helped ease the pain.

Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff]
June 7, 2024

I had a great experience with Dr. Steve and his team! Dr. Steve is very knowledgeable, and the whole team is welcoming and professional. After my visits, my elbow pain is now mostly relieved. Highly recommend their care!

Li Li
November 7, 2024

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders:

pain on both or one side of the jaw at the TMJ
general face/jaw pain, usually located just in front of the ear or lower portion of jaw
discomfort around the ear
clicking/cracking of the jaw that could be painful.
Problems opening your mouth completely. Might feel like it get’s stuck.
Headaches with tightness in your jaw area

Severe TMJ disorders can make it difficult to chew your food and sleeping may become painful. Some patients even complain of headaches and neck pain coming from their jaw.

What is the best treatment for jaw pain?

Dr. Steve utilizes evidence-based protocols and nearly two decades of experience to effectively treat jaw pain. Each year, he helps hundreds of TMJ patients in Oakville, providing both preventative care and post-surgical rehabilitation with great success.

While TMJ treatment can sometimes be uncomfortable, many patients experience noticeable improvement after just one session. Dr. Steve understands that most TMJ issues require more than just a new mouthguard, which is why he takes a comprehensive approach to address the root cause of jaw dysfunction and pain.

Now Offering Shockwave Treatment for TMJ

4 Steps to Treating Jaw Pain

1. Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)

We begin TMJ treatment with Interferential Current Therapy (IFC), a specialized electrical stimulation therapy designed to relieve pain and relax tense jaw muscles. Unlike other body parts where suction cups are used, jaw treatment requires adhesive pads directly placed on the face to ensure optimal contact.

While IFC typically feels like a deep tissue massage on larger muscles, jaw patients may experience subtle facial muscle twitches, eyelid movement, or tongue shifts—all completely normal and a sign the treatment is effectively targeting the right areas. During this session, patients also receive therapeutic heat therapy under the neck to address cervical spine dysfunction, which is often linked to TMJ issues.

2. Shockwave Therapy for TMJ

Shockwave Therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for chronic jaw pain and muscle tightness. Dr. Steve utilizes a specialized shockwave applicator designed specifically for TMJ conditions, delivering 600 to 800 targeted pulses per side. This advanced therapy helps break down scar tissue, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation in the masseter and temporalis muscles.

Many patients notice significant relief after just a few sessions, making Shockwave Therapy an excellent option for those struggling with persistent jaw discomfort. If you’re dealing with TMJ pain, let Dr. Steve and his team provide the expert care you need to restore function and relieve tension.

3. Active Release Therapy (ART) & Trigger Point Therapy

ollowing Shockwave Therapy, Dr. Steve utilizes hands-on soft tissue techniques to release trigger points in the jaw and surrounding facial muscles. Through a combination of deep tissue work and precise manual adjustments, these therapies help improve jaw mobility, alleviate muscle tightness, and reduce tension headaches.

By targeting the root cause of discomfort, Dr. Steve’s comprehensive approach ensures long-lasting relief for TMJ sufferers. If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain or stiffness, his expert care can help restore function and get you back to feeling your best.

4. Cervical Spine Adjustments for TMJ

Almost 99% of TMJ patients have underlying cervical spine dysfunction. Tight upper neck muscles and restricted joints in the cervical spine can aggravate jaw pain. If necessary, Dr. Steve performs a gentle chiropractic neck adjustment, followed by additional ART or trigger point therapy to relieve tension in the supporting muscles.

More information on shockwave for TMJ!

How Does Shockwave Therapy Help With Jaw Pain?

Shockwave Therapy utilizes a pneumatic device that delivers controlled pulses to the surface of the skin at a rate of 15 times per second. This scientifically backed treatment helps break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and promote healing in the masseter and other smaller jaw muscles. The specialized applicator is placed on both sides of the jaw, delivering 600 to 800 targeted pulses per session. While mild discomfort and minimal bruising may occur, most treatments last only a few minutes, and patients often experience noticeable relief after just one or two visits—with up to 80% improvement in under 10 treatments.

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, lockjaw, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or pain from teeth grinding, don’t wait—book your appointment today and start feeling better, faster. If your jaw issues are contributing to upper neck stiffness, back tension, or headaches, Dr. Steve will provide expert care or guide you toward the right specialist. Most TMJ disorder patients feel relief after just one visit, and 90% see an 80% improvement in under 10 sessions.

At Home Treatment for TMJ!

At-Home TMJ Exercises & Jaw Stretchers

The most common at home exercise given by Dr. Steve for TMJ patients is the jaw cork stretch. It’s very basic and easy to do. Get a wine cork, cut it to size if needed, place it upright in-between your teeth and allow the cork to stretch your jaw. Hold stretch for 10 to 60 seconds and repeat 5 to 10 times a day.

TMJ at our Oakville clinic can be diagnosed without any diagnostic tests. If you do have an x-ray or MRI already, please bring in the report so our TMJ treating team can be further informed of your condition.

To maintain and enhance treatment results, we provide personalized home care recommendations. Dr. Steve often suggests simple jaw-stretching techniques using a wine cork—holding the stretch for 30 seconds, five times a day, and gradually increasing to 90 seconds, ten times a day. For patients who prefer a dedicated solution, dental jaw stretchers from Amazon are also recommended.

6 Signs of TMJ and what you can do to fix your jaw pain!

Here are some of Dr. Steve’s favourite at home exercises for jaw pain!

Can a chiropractor treat TMJ? Treatment options for TMJ in Oakville.

Doctor Steve’s treatment is never cookie cutter at our Oakville clinic, but there are some general guidelines we like to go by:

1. If treatment extends beyond the 8th visit without any substantial improvement in pain or Range of Motion Doctor Steve will ask his patient to visit their MD for a second opinion and possibly a set of X-rays or MRI of the Jaw. Most patients need between 6 and 12 visits for 80 percent improvement.

2. Treatment for jaw injuries also include:

Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)
Active Release Therapy (ART)
Hands on Stretching and Mobilization
Shockwave Therapy
At home instructions for TMJ Disorder Care

Acupuncture Treatment for TMJ and jaw pain?

Doctor Jenn is our resident acupuncture provider and treats all kinds of injuries with acupuncture including TMJ and lock jaw. If you are looking to get rid of chronic jaw pain and acupuncture is your thing, call the clinic today! Oakville acupuncture for TMJ!

TMJ Treatment Pain FAQS

How do I know I have TMJ?
What is TMJ disease?
What is the best treatment for jaw pain?
Who can help treat my jaw pain or TMJ?
Is TMJ a permanent condition?
What is the best treatment for TMJ?
Can TMJ or jaw pain cause headaches?
How did I suddenly develop TMJ?

TMJ is a general term jaw pain. The pain can be all the time, sleeping, chewing, talking, cold weather, when you eat certain food or drink caffeine. Usually the pain is on one side of the jaw and there is a change in jaw opening tracking or a inablity to open the jaw all the way.

TMJ disease is a problem with your jaw. It does not have to be painful, but usually is. It usually inovles a lateral motion of the lower jaw and an inability to open the jaw all the way.

The best treatment for TMJ or jaw pain is a combination of Active Release Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and Shockwave Therapy.

Many practitioners can help with jaw pain. Most dentists will prescribe a night guard. While chiropractors and physiotherapists will provide manual treatment, exercises and shockwave therapy.

No, unless it doesn’t get treated and the TMJ becomes so bad that surgery is needed.

The best treatment for TMJ is a combination of treatment on both the jaw, neck and cervical spine. Treatment for TMJ should include IFC, trigger point therapy, shockwave and stretching exercises.

Yes, many TMJ patients complain of both tension headaches and migraine headaches. Some headache patients do not even realize their headaches are coming from their jaw.

TMJ can be causes by a sudden impact, muscle tension, stress, nerve issues or numerous other conditions. Please seek treatment early from a TMJ specialist to rule out an catastrophic issues.