How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve TMJ (Jaw Pain)

Jaw pain is more common than many people realise. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, and when this joint or the surrounding muscles become irritated, it can cause discomfort that interferes with speaking, eating, and even sleeping.

TMJ dysfunction can range from a mild annoyance to severe, persistent pain, but the good news is that physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive treatment options to relieve symptoms and restore function.

What Causes TMJ Pain?

TMJ pain can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (often related to stress)

• Poor posture that strains the neck and jaw muscles

• Injury to the jaw or face

• Arthritis or joint degeneration

• Imbalances in the muscles around the jaw, neck, and shoulders

Symptoms often include jaw clicking or popping, difficulty opening the mouth fully, headaches, ear pain, or tenderness around the face and neck.

How Physiotherapy Helps TMJ Dysfunction

Physiotherapy focuses on treating both the joint itself and the muscles that influence jaw movement. Treatment may involve:

• Manual therapy - Gentle mobilisation of the jaw and surrounding joints to improve movement and reduce stiffness.

• Soft tissue release - Massage and trigger point therapy to ease tension in the jaw, neck, and facial muscles.

• Postural correction - Improving head and neck alignment to reduce strain on the jaw.

• Targeted exercises - Strengthening and stretching exercises to restore proper jaw function.

• Education and self-management strategies - Advice on habits and relaxation techniques to prevent ongoing jaw stress.

This holistic approach not only reduces pain but also addresses the underlying causes, giving patients long-term relief.

Why See a Physiotherapist for Jaw Pain?

While medication can mask the symptoms, physiotherapy treats the source of the problem. By improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and correcting posture, physiotherapists help patients regain normal, pain-free function without invasive procedures.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, clicking, or tightness in the face and neck, physiotherapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Urban Physiotherapy in North Sydney, our team is experienced in treating TMJ dysfunction with evidence-based techniques tailored to your needs.

Book an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief from jaw pain - https://urban-physiotherapy.au2.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=423637795941128200#service