Frequently Asked Questions
and answers
General FAQs
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Absolutely I do!
If you’re looking for a more traditional approach to your complaints, book in for a Therapeutic Complaint Focused Massage.
From relaxation to focused massage therapy for specific injuries, I do my best to work with you to get you back to feeling your best!
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No referral is needed. You can book directly through the online system or contact me if you’re unsure which appointment type to choose.
That said, we often collaborate with dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, or other providers when additional care or oversight is beneficial.
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At Welland TMJ, my work is dedicated to adults who are dealing with jaw and myofunctional dysfunction.
At this stage, I’m not offering pediatric treatment.
If your child needs support, I can gladly point you toward practitioners I trust who regularly work with younger patients.
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Providing a credit card secures your appointment and ensures scheduling consistency for all patients.
Your card won’t be charged unless you miss or cancel an appointment outside the 48-hour cancellation window, keeping the process fair for everyone. -
In Person Care:
In-person plans are billed under Massage Therapy, so you may be able to submit receipts to your insurance provider. That said, most plans only cover a small portion of a full structured treatment program, and coverage varies from one insurer to another.
Virtual Care:
Coverage for virtual care varies by plan, but in most cases it is not eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits. Because virtual only care does not include hands-on treatment, it cannot be billed as Registered Massage Therapy.
Most people who choose virtual care do so knowing it’s an out-of-pocket investment in long-term change. That allows us to work together without being limited by benefit caps or insurance requirements.
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You may cancel your appointment before 48 hours with no charge.
If you cancel/reschedule your appointment with less than 48 hours notice for any reason, the credit card on file will be charged the appointment cost.
Why? It is typically very difficult for me to fill appointments with less than 48 hours notice. Your cooperation with this policy helps to protect my time and livelihood.
Due to the nature of my work this policy is firm and non-negotiable. All patients must support and agree to this policy in order to work with me.
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If you’re running late, please send me a quick text or call.
Your session will begin when you arrive and finish at the scheduled end time.
If you’re more than 15 minutes late without letting me know, your appointment will be considered a no-show and the cancellation policy will apply.
The full appointment fee still applies to all late arrivals.
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In Person Care
While cash, debit and e-transfer are preferred, I do accept all major credit cards for local/in-person patients.
For treatment plans, flexible payment options can be arranged.
Virtual Care
International and virtual patients will make “a purchase” through this website.
For treatment plans, flexible payment options can be arranged.
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While it’s difficult to be sure what might be causing your discomfort without an assessment, so general tips to help:
a cold compress to your jaw 4-5 times a day for 10 minutes.
Try self massaging your jaw and temples with your fingertips in small circular motions.
Eat soft foods and take small bites, chewing with both sides of your mouth.
Practice relaxing your jaw (rest your tongue flat on the roof of your mouth, teeth separated and lips closed).
Finally, you may choose to ask your doctor or pharmacist about medication to help with pain.
Avoid:
chewing gum
overly chewy foods
forward head posture,
resting your jaw on your hand
stomach sleeping
mouth breathing.
Treatment FAQs
In Person Treatment
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Short answer: Not the best idea — and there’s a reason for that.
TMJ and orofacial issues are rarely “simple fixes.” They’re usually a mix of muscle tension, posture, breathing habits, tongue posture, stress patterns, and how your jaw moves day-to-day. A one-off session might give you temporary relief, but it won’t create the long-term change most people are truly looking for.
A structured plan gives us the right combination of hands-on treatment, guided exercises, habit retraining, and consistent follow-through — all timed in a way that actually allows your jaw and nervous system to respond. This is where the real progress happens.
When you’re committed to a plan, you’re also more engaged in the process: showing up regularly, doing the exercises, and making the small everyday changes that support lasting improvement. That’s what breaks the cycle, instead of chasing a short-term “quick fix.”
So while individual appointments are sometimes used later for maintenance, the actual treatment for TMJD requires a plan — not because of rules or rigidity, but because it’s the only approach that truly works for lasting results.
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In-person care combines hands-on manual therapy — including intra-oral and extra-oral techniques — with soft tissue work, myofunctional exercise instruction, postural assessment, and ongoing functional correction. Each plan is tailored to your needs based on your assessment, symptoms, and lifestyle.
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Frequency depends on your individual plan. Most people have bi-weekly appointments but this depends on progression of excercises, symptomology and our treatment goals.
The goal is consistent progress without overwhelming your schedule.
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Only a comfortable, minimal opening is needed to access necessary tissues.
Many clients worry about aggravating symptoms, but gentle, guided therapy is designed precisely to reduce tension and improve function, not worsen symptoms.
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Yes.
Manual therapy is one small portion of treatment. Long-term improvement often depends on consistent follow-through — including posture work, tongue posture, breathing, and prescribed myofunctional exercises. Think of it as “rehab,” not a one-off treatment.
Virtual Treatment
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Short answer: Not the best idea — and there’s a reason for that.
TMJ and orofacial issues are rarely “simple fixes.” They’re usually a mix of muscle tension, posture, breathing habits, tongue posture, stress patterns, and how your jaw moves day-to-day. A one-off session might give you temporary relief, but it won’t create the long-term change most people are truly looking for.
A structured plan gives us the right combination of hands-on treatment, guided exercises, habit retraining, and consistent follow-through — all timed in a way that actually allows your jaw and nervous system to respond. This is where the real progress happens.
When you’re committed to a plan, you’re also more engaged in the process: showing up regularly, doing the exercises, and making the small everyday changes that support lasting improvement. That’s what breaks the cycle, instead of chasing a short-term “quick fix.”
So while individual appointments are sometimes used later for maintenance, the actual treatment for TMJD requires a plan — not because of rules or rigidity, but because it’s the only approach that truly works for lasting results.
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Virtual care includes video and image-based assessments, guided self-manual therapy, personalized myofunctional exercise plans, posture and airway coaching, habit retraining, and ongoing support via messaging and check-ins.
It’s designed for patients outside Niagara, or who prefer remote therapy for convenience.
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Frequency depends on your individual plan. Most people have bi-weekly appointments but this depends on progression of excercises, symptomology and our treatment goals.
The goal is consistent progress without overwhelming your schedule.
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Effectiveness depends on the individual’s condition, commitment to exercises, and consistency.
For many, virtual care offers significant improvements — especially in muscular balance, tongue posture, breathing, and habit retraining.
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No. All you need is a stable internet connection, a phone or computer with camera, and space to follow exercise instructions.
When you sign up for a treatment plan, an exercise kit will be included.