Jaw Pain & TMJ
Jaw pain, clicking, locking or a tired, aching jaw are common and very treatable. Problems with the jaw joint and the muscles around it (often called TMJ or TMD) usually settle well with the right mix of hands-on treatment, simple exercises and a few changes to daily habits.
When the jaw joint and its muscles are irritated
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. When the joint or the chewing muscles around it become overloaded or irritated, you can get pain, clicking, stiffness or a jaw that does not open fully. These are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Common signs
Aching in the jaw, face or around the ear, clicking or popping, difficulty opening wide, a jaw that catches or locks, and pain when chewing.
Common triggers
Clenching or grinding (often at night), stress, long periods of chewing, poor neck and head posture, and sometimes an injury to the face or jaw.
Settle the pain, then restore normal movement
Most jaw problems improve with conservative care. Research reviews support exercise and hands-on (manual) therapy for reducing pain and improving how far the jaw opens.
Hands-on treatment
Gentle work on the jaw muscles and joint, and on the neck where it is contributing, to ease pain and tension.
Jaw and neck exercises
Specific exercises to restore smooth, controlled jaw opening and to support the neck and posture that feed into it.
Habit changes
Practical advice on clenching, chewing, sleep position and desk set-up, so the jaw gets a chance to settle.
Working with your dentist
Where grinding or your bite plays a part, we can work alongside your dentist, who may suggest a night guard.
Physiotherapy assessment for jaw pain
Your first appointment is a full assessment, so the plan fits you and not a template.
Subjective assessment
A detailed talk about how it started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects work, sleep and daily life, and what you want to get back to.
Objective assessment
A hands-on examination of movement, strength and specific tests to pin down what is driving your symptoms, followed by a clear plan you can start straight away.
Book a jaw pain assessment
If your jaw is painful, clicking or stiff, an assessment will find what is driving it and give you a plan that works, so you can eat, talk and sleep comfortably again.