RX Physiotherapy

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(+61) 423 252 749

Restore Your Jaw Health: Focused TMJ Program in Shellharbour Region

Join our targeted sessions to alleviate pain and restore jaw function.

BOOK your initial appointment today

What is TMJ Rehabilitation?

TMJ rehabilitation is a targeted programme designed to restore the function, strength, and alignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is crucial for jaw movement. At RX Physiotherapy, we personalise our rehab plans to address each client’s specific needs, whether you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, jaw pain, or muscle tension. Our goal is to help you regain full jaw function, prevent future issues, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Our One-on-One TMJ Program

The RX Physiotherapy TMJ Rehabilitation service is an individual programme aimed at restoring jaw health and relieving TMJ-related symptoms. Located in Wollongong, our programme is delivered by a highly experienced physiotherapist who tailors each session to meet your specific rehabilitation needs. With a dedicated, one-on-one approach, you’ll receive the focused attention required to address your unique challenges. Each session is meticulously designed to help you achieve your recovery goals efficiently, with professional guidance every step of the way.

BOOK your initial appointment today

Or call us at (+61) 423 252 749

Duration

Our TMJ rehabilitation programme is flexible and tailored to your needs. The duration and frequency of sessions will depend on your specific condition and recovery goals. Each session is designed to provide a balance of activity and recovery, ensuring consistent progress throughout your rehabilitation journey.

Location

Sessions are conducted at our state-of-art physiotherapy clinic, located at 1/35 Shellharbour Road, Lake Illawarra, NSW 2528.

Frequency

We offer appointment times throughout the week to fit your schedule, including early morning and evening sessions.

Our Approach to TMJ Rehabilitation

At RX Physiotherapy, we believe in a highly personalised approach to TMJ rehabilitation. Here’s how our programme works:

We start with a comprehensive initial consultation to understand your specific goals and assess the current condition of your TMJ. During this session, we’ll discuss your medical history and how your TMJ issues are affecting your daily life. This evaluation helps us design a fully customised rehabilitation plan that addresses your specific needs. 

We regularly assess your progress, adjusting your programme as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

Based on your assessment, we design a tailored exercise programme that evolves with your recovery, ensuring you get the most out of every session.

What to Expect in a One-on-One TMJ Rehab Session

Each of our individual rehab sessions at RX Physiotherapy is structured to maximise your recovery:

Assessment

A thorough, hands-on assessment that looks deeper than symptoms—examining the movement patterns and mechanics of your jaw and surrounding joints to uncover the true root cause of your pain or dysfunction.

Structured Rehab Exercises

A focus on strength, flexibility, and mobility, tailored specifically to your needs.

Manuel Therapy

We use targeted pain management techniques—like massage, cupping, and dry needling—to support muscle recovery, relieve tension, and prevent stiffness, helping you move and feel better, faster.

Referrals / Imaging if required

Our practitioners work confidently within their scope and always with humility. If we believe further imaging is needed, we’ll refer you accordingly. And if your care would benefit from seeing an orthodontist or another specialist, we’ll connect you with trusted professionals from our strong referral network—ensuring you have the right team to support your health journey.

Note: The above is a general programme format. It will be customised based on your individual needs.

Your Recovery Goals

Relieve Jaw Pain: We address the underlying causes of your TMJ pain with effective pain management techniques, aiming to reduce discomfort and improve your daily life.

Strengthen Jaw Muscles: Our targeted exercises focus on building the muscles around your TMJ, enhancing support and stability for better overall jaw health.

Improve Mobility and Function: Our tailored routines are designed to increase your jaw’s mobility, making everyday activities smoother and more comfortable.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Jaw Stability: Strengthening the muscles around your TMJ leads to better balance and a reduced risk of further issues, contributing to overall joint health.

Lower Risk of Future Injuries: By reinforcing the muscles that support your TMJ, you help protect the joint, significantly reducing the chance of future injuries.

Listen to Our TMJ Rehabilitation Podcast

Explore in-depth advice on TMJ disorders with our podcast. RX Physiotherapy’s practitioners discuss causes, symptoms, and personalised TMJ rehabilitation techniques to help you manage jaw pain and restore function. Tune in for practical tips and the latest insights on improving your jaw health.

Meet Your Shellharbour TMJ Rehabilitation Practitioners

Our TMJ rehabilitation sessions are led by a team of experienced physiotherapists who focus on jaw recovery. With years of experience and a passion for helping clients achieve their best, you’re in capable hands at RX Physiotherapy.

Ms Paige Fittler

Physiotherapist

Ms Emily Yorkston

Physiotherapist

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Dr. April Patterson

Physiotherapist

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Ms Laura Fleming

Physiotherapist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions on TMJ Pain & Disorders

  • Pain in the jaw joint, jaw muscles, teeth, or temples
  • Jaw restriction, locking, or clicking
  • Headaches, dizziness, or intermittent deafness
  • Discomfort during activities like eating, laughing, or talking

Physiotherapy offers targeted treatment for TMJ disorders, focusing on relieving pain, improving jaw function, and reducing symptoms. Through personalised exercises, manual therapy, and posture correction, physiotherapy helps alleviate jaw tension, enhance mobility, and prevent further TMJ-related issues.

  • Individuals dealing with TMJ disorder or jaw pain
  • Those suffering from chronic jaw tension or dysfunction
  • People looking to prevent TMJ issues through strengthening exercises
  • Personalised Attention: Receive customised care tailored to your specific needs.
  • Focused Guidance: Sessions led by qualified physiotherapists focusing in TMJ rehabilitation.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Appointments available at times that suit your lifestyle.
  • Targeted Exercises: Programmes designed to directly address your individual condition.

Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and your determination! We provide all necessary equipment.

While it varies by individual, most participants start noticing improvements within a few weeks of consistent attendance.

Absolutely. Our sessions are designed to accommodate various conditions, and we tailor exercises to suit your specific needs.

Ready to Take the First Step Towards Recovery?

Join RX Physiotherapy for personalised TMJ Rehab Sessions in Shellharbour and get back to living pain-free.

BOOK your initial appointment today

Or call us at (+61) 423 252 749

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Dr. April Patterson

Physiotherapist

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Dr. April Patterson graduated from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree and founded RX Physiotherapy in 2019 with a vision to provide exceptional, personalised care. As a physiotherapist living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues, April brings a rare combination of personal insight and professional expertise to her practice. Her own experiences with these conditions fuel her passion for understanding and treating them, allowing her to empathise deeply with her patients and guide them with authenticity and compassion.

April has a huge passion for in EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and TMJ dysfunction, while also treating all joints and musculoskeletal conditions. She personally conducts initial assessments to understand each patient’s story, goals, and challenges before referring them to her highly skilled team for ongoing care. Her holistic, evidence-based approach blends manual therapy, strength and conditioning, pain management, and education to help clients regain function, confidence, and independence.

As Managing Director, April maintains the highest standard of care through weekly team sessions to review progress, provide guidance, and support professional development. This ensures that every patient receives structured, personalised care, while allowing her to focus on leadership, strategy, and advancing the clinic’s mission.

Outside the clinic, April enjoys hitting the gym, cooking, and spending quality time with her partner, her two dachshunds and two cats.

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Ms. Laura Flemming

Physiotherapist

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Laura is a senior physiotherapist with six years of experience across hospital, private practice, community, and sports settings. She began her career at Wollongong Hospital before moving to Sydney, where she expanded her skills in musculoskeletal rehab, neurological rehab, and community-based care. During this time she became a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach and worked with junior representative soccer teams in the St George region. Now back in the Illawarra, she’s excited to support her local community again.

Laura’s approach is grounded in understanding the individual—what they value, what they hope to achieve, and how their condition impacts their life. She focuses on meaningful outcomes through a blend of manual therapy, strength training, pain management, patient education, and personalised rehabilitation programs. Her experience spans acute and chronic injuries, post-operative rehab, strength and endurance training, falls prevention, and neurological conditions including stroke and brain injury.

She has a strong interest in working with people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and she brings extensive experience supporting participants within the NDIS. She also specialises in treating TMJ/jaw dysfunction, helping clients reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the muscular and biomechanical factors contributing to their symptoms. Her calm, collaborative style helps clients feel understood, supported, and confident navigating long-term conditions.

Outside the clinic, you’ll find Laura hiking up mountains, writing music, playing soccer, or training for the occasional triathlon or running event.

Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or navigating a complex condition like EDS, HSD, or TMJ dysfunction, Laura can help with all joints and musculoskeletal concerns, guiding you with structure, clarity, and genuine care.

Mr. Trent Cooksley

Physiotherapist

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Trent is a physiotherapist who genuinely cares about people — the kind who listens properly, meets you where you’re at, and helps you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. He has that big brother energy; calm, thoughtful, easy to talk to, and always looking out for you. His focus is simple — helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the things that matter to you, whether that’s training, sport, work, or living life without pain.

He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder, knee, lower back, neck, and ankle injuries, and works with people of all ages and activity levels. Trent’s approach is hands-on, structured, and tailored to the individual. He’s not about quick fixes or generic programs — he takes the time to understand your body, your goals, and what’s been holding you back, then builds a clear plan to help you move forward with confidence.

Born and raised in Wollongong, Trent grew up immersed in sport. He played soccer with the Woonona Sharks and was involved in everything from tennis and golf to swimming, footy, cricket, and AFL. As a teenager, golf became his focus, earning him a place in the IAS Golf Program and later a college golf scholarship in Abilene, Texas. Experiencing injuries firsthand — and seeing how physiotherapy restored his performance — shaped the way he now supports others through injury, rehab, and long-term recovery.

Outside the clinic, Trent is easygoing, down-to-earth, and approachable. You’ll find him on the golf course, in the surf, or catching up with friends. That same calm, supportive energy carries into his sessions, helping clients feel at ease, understood, and supported every step of the way.

If you’re dealing with pain, injury, or ongoing frustration with your body, Trent is someone you can trust to have your back — and help you move with clarity, confidence, and strength again.

Ms. Emily Yorkston

Physiotherapist

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Emily is a senior physiotherapist with extensive experience across musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, women’s health, and paediatric physiotherapy. She has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, including rural outreach programs and allied health leadership roles, which have shaped her holistic, collaborative, and genuinely client-centred approach to care.

Emily is a highly empathetic physiotherapist with lived experience of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), giving her a rare and deeply personal understanding of the physical, emotional, and day-to-day challenges faced by people living with complex and chronic conditions. She has a strong clinical interest in hypermobility (HSD, EDS), TMJ and jaw dysfunction and women’s health, and has completed APA Women’s Health Level 1 training. Emily is skilled in assessing and treating all joints and a broad range of musculoskeletal presentations, from everyday pain to complex, multi-system conditions.

She is passionate about helping clients achieve meaningful, sustainable, long-term outcomes. Emily combines personalised rehab programs, hands-on manual therapy, and targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve function, build confidence, and restore independence. Her care is structured, evidence-based, and highly individualised, ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and actively involved in their recovery.

Outside the clinic, Emily enjoys travelling and exploring new experiences, bringing fresh perspective and energy back into her work. She is known for her warm, calm, and motivating style, helping clients feel safe, understood, and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey.

If you’re living with pain, recovering from injury, or navigating a complex condition such as EDS, HSD, TMJ dysfunction, women’s health concerns, or any musculoskeletal issue, you don’t have to do it alone. Book an appointment with Emily today to receive thoughtful, personalised care and take the next step toward moving with greater comfort, confidence, and trust in your body again.

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Mr Reece Nikitaras

Physiotherapist

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Reece Nikitaras is deeply passionate about optimising human movement and enhancing quality of life through targeted rehabilitation and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. His journey into physiotherapy was driven by a genuine desire to help individuals overcome physical barriers and reach their full potential.

As an avid runner, Reece brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to the treatment of running-related injuries. He is particularly dedicated to helping runners recover from injury, prevent future setbacks, and elevate their performance. Reece has developed a comprehensive running assessment protocol designed to identify biomechanical inefficiencies and areas of weakness, allowing for tailored interventions that support long-term improvement and injury prevention.

Reece also holds a strong clinical interest in knee rehabilitation, with an in-depth understanding of knee biomechanics and the complex nature of knee injuries. He implements highly specialised, results-driven treatment plans to restore function and accelerate recovery in clients dealing with knee concerns.

Always eager to stay at the forefront of his field, Reece consistently seeks out new knowledge and incorporates the latest advancements in physiotherapy research into his practice. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he delivers the highest standard of care to every patient.

Outside of the clinic, Reece enjoys travelling, spending time at the beach, and playing a round of golf.