Open Mon to Sat From 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Canadian Owned and Operated
Open Mon to Sat From 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Canadian Owned and Operated
Open Mon to Sat From 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Canadian Owned and Operated
What you do between sessions is just as important as the treatment itself. Here's your guide.
Normal after hands-on manual therapy. The joint and surrounding muscles have been worked; expect aching for 24-48 hours.
A slight headache in the first 24 hours is common, particularly if referred pain patterns were addressed.
The jaw and cervical spine are closely connected. Some neck tightness following treatment is normal.
Your body has been doing therapeutic work. Feeling tired after a session is common.
A cloth-wrapped ice pack for 15–20 minutes in the first 24 hours. After that, a warm compress helps relax tight muscles.
Yogurt, soup, smoothies, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes. Give your jaw a rest from heavy chewing.
Your exercises are critical. Consistent practice between sessions significantly improves outcomes.
Jaw health is connected to your neck and spine. Keep your head level and be mindful of prolonged forward-head positions.
Minimize unnecessary talking, wide yawning, and extended chewing on the day of treatment.
Avoid sleeping with your face pressed into a pillow. Back sleeping reduces sustained pressure on the joint.
Bagels, steak, raw carrots, hard candy, crusty bread, and chewing gum all strain the joint and can set back your progress.
Avoid large bites, unrestricted yawning, or any activity requiring extreme jaw opening.
Most clenching and grinding happens unconsciously. Work on becoming more aware of jaw tension throughout the day — when you notice it, gently release. Wear your night guard every night if one has been prescribed.
Avoid lying on your side or stomach with your jaw pressed into the pillow or mattress.
Both increase muscle tension and bruxism. Caffeine consumed later in the day is particularly problematic.
Your therapist is identifying your pattern and beginning manual therapy. Initial soreness is expected. Home exercises are introduced; start them right away.
Range of motion typically begins to improve. Pain levels start to decrease. Stay consistent with your exercises; this phase is critical.
Most patients achieve meaningful, lasting improvement. The focus shifts to strengthening and preventing recurrence.
TMJ can recur with stress, posture changes, or significant dental work. Your home exercises and habits are your long-term protection.
These are general expected outcomes. Everyone responds differently depending on the nature and duration of their condition, their overall health, and how consistently they follow their home program.
They are the most important part of your recovery outside of sessions. Patients who complete their exercises regularly recover significantly faster. Even five minutes twice a day makes a meaningful difference.
Not necessarily, but let your BLVD therapist know about upcoming dental appointments. Extended procedures requiring wide mouth opening can aggravate the joint, and we may adjust session timing accordingly.
Progress is often gradual and non-linear. We look for changes in the pattern: how often, how long, where, not just intensity. Tell your therapist about any shifts, even small ones.
Yes. Initial discomfort usually resolves within 1–2 weeks. It protects the joint during sleep when clenching and grinding often peaks. Mention the discomfort; adjustments can often be made.
