What Happens During a TMJ Assessment? A Step by Step Breakdown
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, clicking, clenching, or headaches, being told you “might have TMJ Dysfunction” can raise more questions than answers.
A TMJ assessment isn’t just about your jaw — it’s about understanding how your jaw, muscles, posture, and habits work together, and why symptoms keep showing up (or sticking around).
Here’s what actually happens during a TMJ assessment, and why it matters.
First: What Is a TMJ Assessment?
A TMJ assessment is a structured evaluation of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) a as well as the surrounding muscles, nerves, and movement patterns that influence it.
Rather than focusing on one painful spot, the goal is to identify:
contributing factors
movement restrictions
muscle imbalances
habits that may be keeping symptoms going
This allows the treatment plan to be specific and intentional, not guesswork.
Step 1: A Detailed Health & Symptom History
This is where patterns start to emerge.
You’ll be asked about:
jaw pain, clicking, locking, or fatigue
headaches or facial pain
clenching or grinding
neck or shoulder tension
stress, posture, and sleep habits
previous treatments
things that have tried that have worked and things that you’ve tried that haven’t
Many people are surprised how connected these symptoms actually are — but in TMJ dysfunction, context matters.
Step 2: Movement & Functional Assessment
Next comes a closer look at how your jaw, tongue and neck move, not just whether these areas have pain.
This may include:
opening and closing patterns
side-to-side movement
deviation or shifting
clicking or joint noise
eating, drinking, swallowing
These movement patterns often reveal why pain shows up — even when imaging looks “normal.”
Step 3: Muscle & Soft Tissue Assessment
The jaw does not work alone
Muscles commonly associated include:
facial muscles
neck and upper shoulder muscles
tongue and the floor of the mouth muscles
Tension, guarding, weakness and overactivity in these areas can overload the jaw joint and contribute to symptoms.
Step 4: Posture & Breathing Considerations
This is the part most people don’t expect — but it’s critical.
Head position, neck posture, and breathing patterns can all influence jaw strain.
Forward head posture or chronic mouth breathing, for example, can change how the jaw muscles are recruited throughout the day.
This helps explain why TMJ pain often coexists with:
neck pain
shoulder tension
headaches
Step 5: Putting the Pieces Together
At the end of the assessment, findings are explained clearly and calmly.
You should walk away understanding:
what’s likely contributing to your symptoms
why certain treatments may (or may not) have helped in the past
what a realistic treatment plan could look like
This is not about a “quick fix.” It’s about creating a plan that actually makes sense for your body.
Why a TMJ Assessment Matters
Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction are often misunderstood and under-assessed. Without a proper evaluation, treatment can feel random or frustrating.
A structured assessment helps ensure that care is:
targeted
appropriate
and responsive to how your symptoms change over time
For many people, this clarity alone is a relief.
When to Consider Booking a TMJ Assessment
You may benefit from an assessment if you experience:
jaw pain or clicking
frequent headaches
facial or ear discomfort
clenching and/or grinding
neck pain that doesn’t fully resolve
Early assessment often means more efficient care — and fewer “why isn’t this working?” moments later.
If jaw pain or related symptoms have been lingering, a TMJ assessment can be a helpful starting point to better understand what’s going on and what your next steps could be.
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About The Author
Melissa Violette, RMT, is @thetongueandjawtherapist . She is a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario and the founder of Welland TMJ, a clinic focused on the assessment and management of jaw-related pain and dysfunction. Melissa has advanced training in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD), myofunctional therapy, and soft tissue–based approaches to jaw, neck, and facial pain. Her work emphasizes thorough assessment, education, and individualized care to help patients better understand the factors contributing to their symptoms.
To book an appointment, visit Welland TMJ Booking
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this blog is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.