Disclaimer: General educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified health professional. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Jaw pain, jaw clicking, difficulty opening your mouth fully, facial pain, and headaches centred around the temple — these are the hallmarks of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. It is a condition that many Australians suffer with unnecessarily, not knowing that physiotherapy offers highly effective treatment.
What Is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) just in front of each ear. It is one of the most complex joints in the body — capable of hinge, gliding, and rotational movement — and is active every time you speak, eat, yawn, or swallow. A small cartilage disc sits within the joint to cushion movement.
Types of TMJ Disorder
- Articular disc displacement: The disc within the joint slips forward, causing clicking or popping sounds when the jaw opens. In some cases, the disc locks in place, preventing full opening (closed lock).
- Masticatory muscle pain: Pain in the chewing muscles (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids) — often associated with clenching, bruxism (teeth grinding), and stress. Causes facial pain, temple headaches, and jaw fatigue.
- Degenerative joint disease: Osteoarthritis of the TMJ, causing crepitus (grating sounds), stiffness, and progressive restriction of movement.
The TMJ-Neck Connection
The TMJ and cervical spine are anatomically and neurologically linked. Upper cervical spine stiffness directly influences jaw muscle tension and joint mechanics. Many patients presenting with TMJ disorder have significant neck involvement — and treatment that addresses both the jaw and the neck produces far better outcomes than treating the jaw in isolation.
Physiotherapy Treatment for TMJ
- TMJ joint mobilisation: Gentle manual techniques applied to the jaw joint to restore normal disc position, reduce pain, and improve opening range of motion
- Cervical spine mobilisation: Addressing upper cervical stiffness that contributes to jaw muscle hypertonicity and referred facial pain
- Dry needling: Targeting trigger points in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles — extremely effective for reducing jaw muscle pain and tension headaches
- Jaw exercise program: Specific opening, closing, and lateral jaw exercises to restore normal movement patterns
- Postural correction: Forward head posture increases jaw muscle tension; improving posture reduces TMJ loading
- Education: Jaw habits to avoid — gum chewing, hard foods, nail biting, jaw clenching — and strategies for stress management
Frequently Asked Questions
My jaw clicks every time I open it. Is that serious?
Jaw clicking alone, without pain or restricted opening, is often benign and does not require treatment. If clicking is accompanied by pain, jaw locking, difficulty eating, or headaches, physiotherapy assessment is recommended.
I grind my teeth at night. Can physio help?
Physiotherapy addresses the jaw muscle hypertonicity and joint dysfunction associated with bruxism (teeth grinding). While a dentist provides a custom nightguard to protect the teeth, physiotherapy treats the muscular and joint components that cause pain. Both are often needed together.
How long does TMJ physiotherapy take?
Most patients with acute or moderate TMJ disorder notice significant improvement within 4–6 sessions over 4–6 weeks. Chronic or complex TMJ disorders may take 8–12 sessions.
Do I need to see a dentist or a physio for TMJ?
Ideally both work together. A dentist assesses the teeth and occlusion (bite), provides nightguards for bruxism, and manages dental-related contributions to TMJ. A physiotherapist treats the joint, muscles, and associated neck dysfunction. Many cases are managed by physiotherapy alone.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora