TMJ / TMD Therapy at MODA

Understanding Jaw Pain and Exploring Treatment Options

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the base of your skull. Located just in front of each ear, this joint allows you to chew, speak, and move your jaw. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are not functioning properly, it can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)—a condition that can cause discomfort and affect your daily life.

Common TMD Symptoms

TMD is a complex condition with multiple potential causes. Symptoms can vary in intensity and may include:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Neck, face, or shoulder pain
  • Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
  • Locking of the jaw

What Causes TMD?

TMD is often caused by a combination of factors, such as:

  • Jaw Injury – Trauma or impact to the jaw or face
  • Repetitive Strain – Clenching, grinding, gum chewing, or poor posture
  • Stress & Anxiety – Emotional tension contributing to muscle tightness
  • Joint Disease – Arthritis or degenerative joint changes
  • Bite Alignment Issues – Though not always the root cause, your bite may play a role
  • Postural Imbalance – Forward head posture can strain jaw and neck muscles

First Steps: Conservative Therapies

If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMD, we recommend seeing your a health provider like a family physician or dentist as a first step. They can assess your condition and offer conservative, evidence-based treatment strategies, such as:

Conservative First-Line Therapies

  • Self-Management Strategies
Avoid nail biting, excessive gum chewing, and limit wide mouth opening (e.g. yawning). Heat/cold therapy can also offer relief.
  • Lifestyle & Stress Management
Learn to manage stress, improve sleep, and adopt habits that reduce jaw tension.
  • Physical Therapy
A tailored rehab program can correct posture, release tight muscles, and improve jaw mobility.
  • Custom Orthotic Devices
Nightguards or bite splints reduce strain from grinding or clenching, especially during sleep.

In many cases, these conservative approaches are highly effective in managing symptoms.

When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough

For those who continue to struggle with pain or tension despite trying first-line therapies, additional support may be needed.

At MODA Medical Aesthetics, we offer Botox® therapy as a non-surgical, complementary option for muscle-related TMD.

Botox® for TMJ / TMD Relief

Botox® (botulinum toxin) is injected into overactive jaw muscles—typically the masseter and temporalis—to help:

  • Relax the muscles causing pain and tension
  • Reduce clenching and grinding
  • Improve jaw movement
  • Minimize associated headaches or migraines

Most clients notice improvement within a few days, with results lasting 3 to 6 months. Botox® is not a first-line treatment for TMD, but it may offer meaningful relief when more conservative measures haven’t worked.

Additional Medical Options

In some cases clients will need:

  • Medication Management – Including muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories
  • Surgical Referrals – Considered only in severe cases after all other options have been explored

We’re Here When You’re Ready

If you’ve already explored options with your physician or dentist and are still experiencing symptoms, we’re here to support you in finding relief. Our experienced team can assess whether Botox® is an appropriate next step in your treatment journey.

Let’s work together to help you feel better and regain comfort in your daily life.

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