TMJ Dysfunction
Relief for jaw pain, clicking, locking and tension affecting the temporomandibular (jaw) joint.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jaw to your skull and are among the most-used joints in the body — talking, eating and yawning all day. TMJ dysfunction causes pain, clicking, stiffness and sometimes locking in the jaw, and frequently brings headaches and facial tension too.
It's often linked to clenching and grinding (frequently stress-related), jaw muscle tension, neck problems or a history of jaw injury. Because the jaw, neck and head are so closely connected, effective treatment usually addresses all of them together.
We assess the jaw and neck as a unit and use gentle manual therapy, specific exercises and relaxation strategies to ease pain, reduce clicking and locking, and restore comfortable, controlled jaw movement.
Common causes
- Clenching and grinding (often stress-related)
- Jaw muscle tension and overactivity
- Neck dysfunction contributing to jaw pain
- Previous jaw injury or trauma
- Habits such as nail-biting or heavy gum chewing
Signs & symptoms
- Jaw pain, tightness or fatigue
- Clicking, popping or locking of the jaw
- Difficulty or discomfort opening wide or chewing
- Associated headaches and facial tension
- Earache-like discomfort with no ear problem
How we treat tmj dysfunction
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Assess jaw & neck
We examine your jaw movement, muscles and the neck, and identify the habits and factors driving your symptoms.
Hands-on relief
Gentle manual therapy to the jaw and neck muscles and joints eases pain, tension and restricted movement.
Jaw control exercises
Specific exercises restore smooth, controlled jaw movement and reduce clicking and locking.
Habit & stress strategies
We address clenching, posture and relaxation so the underlying drivers of TMJ pain are managed long term.
What to expect
Many people notice their jaw pain and tension easing within the first few sessions, with clicking and movement improving as the muscles relax and control is restored. Lasting results come from addressing the contributing habits like clenching and posture.
Where appropriate, we'll coordinate with your dentist — for example if a night splint is part of your management — for a joined-up approach.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about tmj dysfunction and how we treat it.
Can physiotherapy help jaw clicking?
Yes. While not every click needs treatment, painful clicking and locking often improve with manual therapy and specific jaw-control exercises.
Is my jaw pain linked to my neck?
Very often. The jaw and neck are closely connected, and treating the neck is frequently an important part of resolving TMJ symptoms.
Do I need a mouth guard?
Sometimes a night splint from your dentist helps with grinding, and we're happy to work alongside dental care as part of your management.
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Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.