TMJ Treatment

Jaw pain, clicking and tension around the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) are common problems that can affect eating, speaking, sleep and day-to-day comfort. Physiotherapy can help assess the underlying contributors to these symptoms and provide treatment to improve jaw function and manage pain.

The jaw bone (the mandible) connects to the skull at the temporal bone on the left and right sides, forming the TMJ. Because these joints work together, movement at one joint directly affects the other. The muscles surrounding the jaw therefore need to work well to coordinate smooth, symmetrical movement for good function and joint health.

Unique to the TMJ, a cartilage disc sits within the joint, helping to facilitate smooth rotational and gliding movements, and to absorb joint forces. In some cases the disc can become problematic, contributing to pain and other related symptoms.

Common TMJ symptoms

Disorders involving the TMJ and surrounding muscles can result in symptoms like:

Clicking, popping and other joint noises
Jaw locking
Pain around the jaw, ear and neck
Difficulty opening your mouth
Pain with chewing or yawning
Headache
Jaw tightness

Symptoms can often result from clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep or due to stress. Your dentist may have noticed wear on your teeth and in some cases, a night guard may be necessary. In addition to your dentist’s treatment, Physiotherapy can be very helpful to resolve these symptoms.

What Causes TMJ Problems

TMJ symptoms can develop for many different reasons. The most common contributing factors can include:

Clenching or grinding your teeth (including during sleep)
Stress
Neck stiffness
Poor posture
Jaw overuse (such as chewing gum or nail biting)
Previous dental work or trauma
Hypermobility
Muscle imbalances around the jaw and neck

What to Expect from TMJ Treatment

The TMJ can be a very complex and specific issue to treat, that is not commonly seen by most Physiotherapists. At Move for Better Health, you will be seen by a Physiotherapist with additional knowledge and training in these problems.

Treatment begins with an assessment to determine the factors contributing to your pain and symptoms. This commonly includes an examination of your jaw and neck. Your physio may assess:

Jaw movement and opening
Muscle tension
Posture
Joint clicking, locking or irritation
Habits or activities affecting your jaw

Typically, treatment may include hands-on therapy (such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisations), exercises for jaw control, strength or mobility, advice and education regarding posture and lifestyle habits, and a review of your usual activities to ensure they are not contributing to your problem. As treatment continues, we happily communicate with your Dentist or GP to update them on your progress.

Some TMJ problems can improve relatively quickly, while longer-standing or more complex symptoms may require ongoing management and habit changes over time. Early assessment and treatment can often help prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent.