(08) 7008 7566
(08) 7118 5399
physio@upplus.com.au
177 Trimmer Parade, Seaton SA 5023TMJ Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint sits just in front of the ear and is used constantly — talking, eating, swallowing. When it and its muscles become painful, it affects nearly everything. Many people do not realise physiotherapy treats it at all, and are surprised how much can be done. The neck is almost always involved, which is why treating the jaw alone often disappoints.
What causes it
- Clenching or grinding, frequently stress-related
- Neck dysfunction, which refers into the jaw and is often the missing piece
- Prolonged dental work holding the mouth open
- A direct blow to the jaw, or whiplash
- Habits like nail biting, chewing gum or resting on one hand
What you might notice
- Pain in front of the ear, in the cheek or into the temple
- Difficulty opening wide, or the jaw deviating to one side as it opens
- Aching after eating or a long conversation
- Headaches, often at the temples
- Ear symptoms — blocked sensation, ringing — with no ear problem found
How we treat it
- Assessing and treating the neck alongside the jaw
- Manual therapy to the jaw joint and the muscles around it
- Dry needling to the chewing muscles, which is often markedly effective
- Jaw control and opening retraining
- Habit awareness and stress-related clenching strategies
- Coordination with your dentist where a splint is involved
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so the right treatment depends on an assessment. If your pain followed a significant injury, is getting worse, or comes with numbness, weakness or unexplained weight loss, please see your GP.
Most people do not know physio treats jaws
Jaw pain is often bounced between dentists and GPs for months. It responds well to hands-on treatment, particularly when the neck is treated with it.
Or call us on (08) 7008 7566 — we see patients across Seaton, Modbury and Stepney.