Physiotherapy is an effective approach for jaw pain and dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment can take the form of manual therapy techniques, muscle relaxation, exercises, and personalized counselling to reduce or relieve your symptoms.
Temporomandibular Joint : role and possible dysfunctions
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on each side of the head, just in front of the ears, and plays a key role in jaw movement.
When it isn’t functioning properly, it can cause clicking or popping sounds, local pain, headaches, neck tension, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. In some cases, it may even limit how wide you can open your mouth—making it harder to yawn or eat certain foods like apples or sandwiches—and/or cause pain when chewing.
Jaw disorders: Why treat the TMJ with Physiotherapy?
A physiotherapist with advanced training in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) care can assess and treat jaw disorders and related symptoms, such as:
- Jaw pain (bruxism, osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, etc.)
- Clicking or popping sounds or a grinding sensation in the joint
- Locking when opening or closing the mouth
- Muscle spasms or trigger points
- Fractures, dislocations, or sprains
- Poor dental occlusion
- Headaches
- Neck or facial pain (teeth, eyes, etc.)
- Ear symptoms (pain, blocked sensation, tinnitus, etc.)
- Numbness or tingling around the jaw
The physiotherapist will assess your range of motion, muscle strength and tension, joint stability, posture, and lifestyle habits to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
During orthodontic treatment or after surgery
TMJ care may also be required during orthodontic treatment or following maxillofacial surgery, as muscle tension, joint mobility, and muscle strength can be affected. The goal is always to maintain or improve quality of life by restoring everyday function, such as talking, chewing, yawning, or brushing teeth, and to relieve any pain that may be present.
How is the TMJ treated?
The physiotherapy assessment includes an analysis of your jaw and neck mobility, muscle strength and tension, joint stability, posture, and lifestyle habits. Based on this assessment, the treatment plan will focus on relieving pain, improving jaw and neck mobility, easing headaches, and restoring TMJ function.
Various interventions may be used by physiotherapists to help relieve jaw symptoms, including:
- Manual therapy techniques
- Muscle release
- Targeted exercises
- Posture education
- Lifestyle tips to apply daily
Dentists and physiotherapists often work together when treating TMJ-related issues.
Book an appointment today at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which healthcare professionals can treat TMJ issues?
Physiotherapists with advanced manual therapy training or specific education in TMJ assessment and treatment can help resolve your condition. Osteopaths are also well-equipped healthcare professionals who can effectively assist in treating TMJ disorders.
How many physiotherapy sessions are needed for TMJ?
It varies depending on the clinical presentation of your condition. Recovery time is influenced by how long the issue has been present, whether it’s post-surgical, the result of trauma (such as a blow to the face), and other factors. Your physiotherapist will ask detailed questions and thoroughly assess your condition during the first session to provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and adapt it to your reality.
What physiotherapy exercises can I do to relax my jaw?
Daily self-massage is a great way to help relax your jaw muscles. You can gently massage the sides of your temples using small circles or sliding your fingers back toward your hairline to target the temporalis muscle. You can also massage the back part of your cheek to address the masseter muscle by sliding your fingers up or down from the cheekbone to the jawbone. Be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure.
I tend to always chew on the same side, can that cause problems over time?
Yes, overloading one side of the jaw when chewing can lead to muscle tension and overuse of the joint on that side, which may result in pain. It’s better to alternate chewing sides.
However, if you’re chewing on one side because of pain on the other, it’s best to consult a professional to understand the cause and help restore balance and eliminate the pain.
My jaw clicks or pops, but I don’t have any pain. Should I be concerned or see someone?
If the clicking is recent and new, it’s a good idea to consult a professional to ensure there are no movement limitations and to prevent it from becoming worse. If the clicking has been present for many years, doesn’t cause any pain, and doesn’t limit your function (such as opening wide, chewing, yawning, biting, etc.), it may not be problematic. However, if the clicking is accompanied by these types of movement limitations or causes misalignment (like jaw deviation when opening), then you should consult a professional—even if there is no pain.
