🦷 Understanding Jaw Pain: What Is TMJ and How Can Physio Help?
Have you been experiencing jaw discomfort, clicking sounds when opening your mouth, or headaches you can't quite explain? You might be dealing with a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder—commonly known as TMJ or TMD.
🔍 What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone). It’s a complex joint that acts like both a hinge and a glider, allowing you to speak, chew, yawn, and express yourself every day.
It includes:
A joint capsule and ligaments for support
An articular disc that cushions movement
Muscles that help move the jaw (e.g. masseter, temporalis, pterygoids)
Pain can often come from the retrodiscal tissue, a sensitive area at the back of the joint.
😣 Common TMJ Symptoms:
Jaw pain or stiffness
Clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
Headaches, facial pain, ear discomfort
Tension in the neck and shoulders
🧠 Why Does TMJ Happen?
TMJ disorders can arise from multiple causes, including:
Muscle imbalance or tightness
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching—especially during sleep)
Poor posture, especially forward head positions
Stress, anxiety, or even fibromyalgia
Jaw trauma, dental procedures, or arthritis
🧩 The 3 Main Types of TMJ Disorders:
Myofascial Pain
Involves overactive or tight jaw muscles, often due to stress, poor posture, or overuse.
Symptoms: Pain in jaw, neck, shoulders, sometimes headaches.Internal Derangements
Problems with the structure ie. joint articular disc. There are 2 types:1. With Reduction: Clicking during jaw movement – the mandible “skips” over the articular disc creating the clicking sound as you open and close your mouth.
2. Without Reduction: The articular disc is “trapped/stuck” and blocking the gliding of the mandible, can result in limited jaw opening.
Goal of physio: Reduce muscle tension and joint pressure—It is not always possible to reduce the clicking or improve the gliding of the articular disc. But with manual therapy we can help speed up the recovery and reduce the pain.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the jaw joint. Symptoms are pain, stiffness, swelling, joint/bony changes over time.
🦷 Bruxism and TMJ: What’s the Link?
Bruxism—grinding or clenching of the teeth—affects up to 66% of people with TMJ disorder. It may lead to:
Tooth wear or fractures
Jaw pain
Muscle tension
Headaches
Sleep disruption
Triggers can include stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or stimulants (e.g. caffeine or alcohol).
💡 How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At your first appointment, we take a detailed history, looking at:
Pain pattern, clicking, locking sensations
Sleep habits and stress levels
Any history of dental work, trauma, or bruxism
Posture and movement patterns
Associated symptoms like headaches or ear pain
We then perform a physical assessment to check:
Jaw alignment and motion
Head and neck posture
Range of motion in the spine and jaw
Assess muscular and bony structures.
💆♂️ Treatment May Include:
Manual therapy: Joint mobilisations, muscle release
Acupuncture or dry needling
Posture education and ergonomic advice
Jaw mobility and relaxation exercises
Stress management strategies
Home care tips and exercises
Referral for dental input or splints if needed
We always tailor the treatment plan to your symptoms and lifestyle.
⚠️ We take extra care if there's recent trauma, severe pain, joint instability, or recent surgery.
📩 Final Thoughts
TMJ disorders are common, complex, and treatable. If you’re struggling with jaw discomfort, chronic tension, or unexplained headaches, physiotherapy could be the key to relief.
Get in touch to book your TMJ assessment today.
