TMJ Therapy in Banbury, Oxfordshire
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joints sit just in front of your ears and connect your lower jaw to your skull. They're involved in almost everything you do with your mouth, speaking, eating, yawning, which is why, when something goes wrong, it tends to affect a lot more than just your jaw.
TMJ dysfunction occurs when these joints, and the muscles and tissues around them, aren't working as they should. This can be caused by teeth clenching or grinding (often during sleep), jaw misalignment, stress, injury, or postural patterns in the neck and shoulders.
Common Symptoms Include:
Symptoms can vary widely, but commonly include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty chewing or discomfort while eating
Aching pain around the ear
Facial pain, headaches and migraines
Restriction in the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
Gentle, Effective Relief for Jaw Pain and Tension
If you're living with jaw pain, frequent headaches, clicking or tension in your neck and shoulders, there's a good chance your temporomandibular joint — your TMJ — is involved. It's more common than most people realise, and it's something I specialise in.
I'm Emily, a specialist TMJ therapist based at The 54 Clinic in Banbury. I work with people who've often spent months or years managing their symptoms using painkillers, night guards, dental referrals, without ever getting to the root of what's driving them. My approach is different. I work holistically to understand why your symptoms are presenting and treat accordingly, not just where it hurts.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your first session begins with a thorough conversation. I want to understand your symptoms, how long you've had them, what makes them better or worse, and what you've already tried. Nothing happens until I have a clear picture of what's going on and you're comfortable to proceed.
Treatment is gentle and non-invasive. Depending on what your assessment shows, it may include soft tissue massage to release muscle tension, myofascial release techniques to improve mobility in the jaw and surrounding area, and guided relaxation to address stress-related clenching patterns.
I'll also share practical self-care strategies you can use between sessions, because what happens outside the treatment room matters just as much as what happens in it.
Treatment Duration and Frequency:
Sessions are one hour each. For most people, I recommend starting with one session per week for a minimum of three weeks. This gives us the chance to make meaningful progress and assess how your body is responding. As your symptoms improve, we'll space sessions out and work towards you needing less support over time.
My aim is never to keep you coming back indefinitely. It's to help you feel better and understand your body well enough to manage things yourself.
Initial consultation and treatment: 1 hour
Follow-up sessions: 1 hour
Recommended frequency: Once a week for a minimum of three weeks
Our Approach to TMJ Therapy
At Ashburton Therapy Clinic, we believe in a holistic and personalised approach to TMJ therapy. Our treatments are non-invasive and tailored to address the unique needs of each individual.
Therapy Techniques May Include:
Gentle massage to relieve muscle tension
Myofascial release to improve mobility
Guided relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related clenching
Our goal is to not only alleviate your current discomfort but also to equip you with tools and knowledge to maintain long-term jaw health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact me directly to book or just to have a chat about whether treatment is right for you. Many of my clients come without any prior diagnosis.
Is TMJ therapy painful?
No. My approach is always gentle and I work at a pace that's comfortable for you. Some areas may feel tender, especially in the early sessions, but treatment should never feel invasive or overwhelming. I'll always check in with you throughout.
How quickly will I see results?
Some clients notice a difference after just one or two sessions. For others, particularly those with long-standing symptoms, progress is more gradual. Either way, we'll review regularly and I'll always be honest with you about how things are going.
Can it help with headaches and ear symptoms?
Yes. Headaches, migraines, tinnitus and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears are all commonly associated with TMJ dysfunction. Many clients find these symptoms reduce significantly as the jaw and surrounding muscles begin to release.
What if I've had jaw pain for years?
Long-standing symptoms are very common and absolutely treatable. The body responds to treatment at any stage. Sometimes clients who've been in pain for years make the most noticeable progress because they've never had the underlying tension properly addressed.
Can I have TMJ therapy alongside dental treatment?
Yes, and in many cases the two work really well together. If you're receiving dental care or orthodontic treatment, I'm happy to liaise with your practitioner to make sure everything is coordinated in your best interest.
What if I'm not sure whether TMJ is causing my symptoms?
Get in touch and we'll talk it through. I'd rather have a conversation and help you figure out whether this is the right route than have you booking something that isn't right for you.
Client Testimonials
“I was recommended to Emily as I had a terrible pain in my bottom jaw due to teeth clenching despite wearing a night guard. After my first TMJ session I came off the pain killers and after the 2nd felt amazing.
I will continue to see her regularly as she makes such a difference! I cannot recommend her enough. On top of being amazing at what she does, she is a lovely person! Thanks so much Emily!”
Lorena Dominguez, Oxfordshire
“As a result of teeth clenching for many years, I was experiencing jaw ache and the most awful headaches which were lasting for at least 3 days and pain relief would not help.
My dentist recommended Botox, but my Chiropractor recommended a visit to Ashburton Therapy where I could explore the TMJ treatment in the first instance. I am so grateful to Emily and the TMJ treatments. Each one has resulted in such incredible improvements.
Even after the 1st treatment, the muscles in my face were so noticeably relaxed. I feel I have space in my mouth, my jawline doesn’t ache as it used to and my headaches have definitely lessened. I can highly recommend Emily and am so appreciative of her knowledge and professional care.”
C Day, Oxfordshire
You don't have to keep managing this.
Jaw pain, headaches and neck tension can feel like something you just have to live with, especially if you've been told there's nothing more that can be done. In my experience, that's rarely true. If you're ready to find out what's actually driving your symptoms and start making real progress, I'd love to help.