TMJ (Jaw) pain, clicking or dysfunction? How does Physio fit in?

What Is TMJ Pain?

If you’ve ever felt clicking, locking, or aching in your jaw, you might be experiencing a TMJ disorder.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It allows you to talk, chew, and yawn — but when it becomes tight or irritated, even simple movements can become uncomfortable.

TMJ disorders are common and occur in 60-70% of the population at some point in life.

Symptoms can include:

  • Jaw pain, facial pain or stiffness

  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth

  • Headaches or ear pain

  • Difficulty chewing or yawning

Neck or shoulder tension

Common Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

The cause of TMJ dysfunction is often different for every individual.  The combination of factors could consist of;

  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)

  • Dental challenges

    • Misaligned bite pattern 

    • Dental or gum disease

  • Stress and muscle tension

  • Previous jaw injury

  • Arthritis or joint inflammation

Understanding what is influencing your symptoms pattern is the important first step.   We work closely with your dentist, orthodontist and GP to ensure a complete picture and understanding of the plan to manage your condition.

How Physiotherapy can help to Manage TMJ Pain

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for TMJ disorders. At Active Health Riverina, our physiotherapists use a combination of hands on (manual therapy), exercise, and education to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

Your treatment may include:

  • Muscle release techniques to reduce tightness in jaw and neck muscles

  • Joint mobilisation to improve jaw alignment and function

  • Movement and posture awareness to ease strain on your head, neck, and shoulders

  • Personalised home exercises to improve movement habits and help you to achieve sustainable change. 

One Great Exercise to Try

Your jaw opens and closes approximately 2000 times per day.  When things are not functioning as normal - this quickly becomes your normal habit and pattern. 

In most cases, we need to look at movement symmetry on opening.   In cases of clicking and TMJ pain, there is often a compensatory and inefficient movement pattern.

Try this quick exercise.

  • Look at yourself in a mirror and use two fingers to feel for the ball and socket joint of your TMJ on either side. 

  • Open and close your jaw slowly

  • Does it feel even and smooth, or does one side move first?

  • Does your jaw look straight or does it move to one side, or zig zag back and forward?

Now try this;

  • Keep looking at yourself in the mirror - this is crucial to help with feedback. 

  • Touch your tongue up to the roof of your mouth (Palate). 

  • Try to open slowly, still feeling each side of the ball and socket joints.  

  • Can you create a smooth, click free and pain free movement, that feels even on both sides?  

  • If you can move in a straight even pattern, then repeat, repeat, repeat.  

How often should i try this? 

  • Every time you see yourself in a mirror, try this exercise for 30 seconds. 

  • Stop if it causes any pain, or if you cannot control the click. 

  • 10 times a day would be great, as it takes some effort to retrain the habit of moving straight.

What to Expect from Your TMJ Physiotherapy Sessions

In your first appointment, we explore any information that may be influencing your condition.  This is followed by a detailed assessment of your jaw function, neck and shoulder. We will work together to devise a tailored management plan that fits your daily routine and goals.

You’ll learn practical strategies that can reduce pain, improve freedom of movement, make it easier to eat and protect your TMJ long-term.

When to See a Physiotherapist

You should consider TMJ physiotherapy if you:

  • Experience ongoing jaw pain or stiffness

  • Notice clicking, locking, or uneven movement when opening your mouth

  • Wake up with jaw or neck tension

  • Have headaches linked to jaw clenching

  • Feel discomfort while chewing or talking

Early assessment and treatment can prevent the issue from becoming chronic or affecting surrounding muscles and joints.

TMJ Care at Active Health Riverina

Dave and Ben have a special interest in TMJ management and have undergone extensive ongoing training to help to assess and manage TMJ dysfunction. 

Lewisham Avenue Allied Health Clinic – 1 Lewisham Avenue, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

Book an Appointment

Don’t let jaw pain interrupt your daily life. Physiotherapy may help you move, eat, and speak with comfort again.

Call (02) 6925 7734 or book online to start your TMJ physiotherapy plan today.

Book TMJ Physiotherapy
Donna Limoran