Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ Dysfunction) refers to pain and dysfunction involving the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull and plays an important role in speaking, chewing, yawning, and facial movement.

TMJ dysfunction can cause discomfort around the jaw, face, head, and neck, and may affect everyday activities such as eating and talking.

Common symptoms may include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Jaw stiffness or locking
• Headaches or facial pain
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears
• Neck pain and muscle tension
• Pain while chewing or yawning

TMJ dysfunction can be caused by several factors including jaw clenching, teeth grinding, stress, posture, trauma, arthritis, or muscle imbalance.

Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and restore normal function.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy treatment for TMJ dysfunction focuses on relieving pain, improving movement, reducing muscle tension, and addressing contributing factors.

Benefits of physiotherapy for TMJ dysfunction may include:

• Reduced jaw pain and muscle tension
• Improved jaw mobility and function
• Reduced headaches and neck pain
• Improved chewing and speaking comfort
• Reduced jaw clicking or locking
• Better posture and muscle control
• Strategies to manage clenching and grinding habits

Physiotherapy Assessment for TMJ Dysfunction

Your physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment to identify the source of your symptoms and contributing factors.

The assessment may include:

Detailed History

• Jaw pain and symptom patterns
• Clicking, locking, or grinding symptoms
• Headaches or facial pain
• Stress levels and clenching habits
• Previous dental work or trauma
• Neck pain or posture concerns

Physical Examination

• Jaw movement and range of motion
• Muscle tenderness and tightness
• Joint clicking or deviation
• Neck mobility and posture
• Muscle strength and control
• Breathing and movement patterns

Physiotherapy Treatment for TMJ Dysfunction

Treatment is personalised based on your symptoms and contributing factors.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment may help:

• Reduce jaw and neck muscle tension
• Improve joint mobility
• Relieve stiffness and pain
• Improve movement quality

Jaw Exercises

Specific exercises may help:

• Improve jaw control and coordination
• Increase mobility
• Reduce stiffness
• Improve muscle balance

Posture Correction

Poor posture can contribute to jaw tension and neck strain. Physiotherapy may include:

• Postural retraining
• Neck and upper back exercises
• Ergonomic advice for work and daily activities

Dry Needling & Soft Tissue Treatment

Treatment may target tight muscles around the:

• Jaw
• Face
• Neck
• Shoulders

This can help reduce muscle tension and pain.

Education & Self-Management

Your physiotherapist may provide advice on:

• Managing jaw clenching and grinding
• Relaxation strategies
• Sleep positioning
• Diet modifications during flare-ups
• Stress management techniques

Common TMJ Conditions We Treat

We commonly help patients with:

• Jaw pain and stiffness
• Clicking or locking jaw
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Jaw muscle tension
• TMJ-related headaches
• Neck pain associated with jaw dysfunction
• Postural-related jaw pain
• Arthritis affecting the jaw joint

Early treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term jaw function. We work together with local dentists when mouth guards are recommended.