What You're Experiencing

Pain, clicking, or locking in the jaw joint (TMJ), often worse when chewing or opening the mouth wide.

When to seek help: This symptom can usually be managed with self-care initially. If it persists beyond 2 weeks or worsens, consult a physiotherapist.

Likely Causes

This symptom is commonly caused by one or more of the following conditions. A physiotherapist can identify the exact cause through a thorough assessment.

1 TMJ dysfunction
2 Teeth grinding (bruxism)
3 Jaw muscle tension from stress
4 Disc displacement in the jaw joint

What a Physiotherapist Will Do

1. Assessment

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough examination including movement tests, palpation, and posture analysis to identify the root cause of your jaw pain and clicking.

2. Diagnosis

Based on the assessment, they'll explain which of the likely causes applies to you and discuss the best treatment approach.

3. Treatment

Treatment typically combines hands-on therapy for immediate relief with targeted exercises to address the underlying cause. Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 sessions.

4. Home Programme

You'll receive specific exercises and advice to continue your recovery at home, helping you get better faster between sessions.

Related Conditions & Treatments

Learn more about the conditions and treatments related to this symptom:

condition Neck Pain → treatment Manual Therapy → treatment Dry Needling →

Helpful Articles

Tmj Jaw Pain Physiotherapy →Headaches From Neck Problems →Text Neck Syndrome →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help jaw pain?

Yes. Physiotherapists trained in TMJ disorders use manual therapy to mobilise the jaw joint, release tight muscles, and teach jaw exercises. Dry needling to the jaw muscles can also provide rapid relief. Many patients see improvement within 3-4 sessions.

Can a physiotherapist treat jaw pain?

Yes. Physiotherapists trained in TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment can effectively address jaw pain through manual therapy, exercises, and posture correction. Many jaw problems are linked to neck and posture issues.

What makes jaw pain worse?

Common aggravating factors include stress (clenching/grinding), chewing hard foods, wide yawning, poor posture, and sleeping on your stomach. A physiotherapist can help identify and address your specific triggers.