TMJ & Jaw Pain Specialty

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge between your jaw and skull. When it is irritated, you may experience jaw pain, clicking, locking, restricted opening, ear pain or persistent tension headaches. TMJ care is a particular focus of the lead clinician at the clinic.

Treatment combines hands-on intra-oral and extra-oral techniques, postural correction (the neck and jaw work as one system), gentle mobilisation, and a short home programme for jaw control and relaxation.

• Jaw pain, clicking or popping during chewing or yawning
• Restricted mouth opening (less than three-finger width)
• Jaw locking — open lock or closed lock
• Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches with a TMJ component
• Ear pain, fullness or tinnitus from TMJ origin
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) and clenching-related muscle pain
• Post-orthodontic and post-dental-procedure jaw stiffness

1. Comprehensive HistoryOnset, triggers, sleep and stress patterns, dental work, and any clicking or locking are mapped in detail.
2. Bilateral TMJ AssessmentRange of opening, deviation, joint glide, muscle tenderness and bite alignment are examined.
3. Cervical ScreenThe upper neck almost always needs treatment alongside the jaw — we examine it together.
4. Hands-On TreatmentExtra-oral and (with consent) gloved intra-oral techniques to release tight masseter, temporalis and pterygoid muscles.
5. Self-ManagementJaw rest position, posture cues, stress-related clenching awareness and a short daily exercise routine.

Sessions are unhurried and consent is taken before any intra-oral work. Mild post-treatment soreness in the jaw or temple is normal for 24 hours; sharp or worsening pain is not — we adjust accordingly.

Typically 4–8 sessions over 4–6 weeks. We coordinate with your dentist if a night guard or bite correction is needed alongside physiotherapy.

Recent jaw fracture, active dental infection, or post-surgical TMJ where the surgeon has not cleared mobilisation. Your physiotherapist will assess suitability.

• Lead clinician's specialty — every TMJ patient is seen by the senior physiotherapist
• Combined jaw + neck approach, not jaw alone
• Gloved intra-oral techniques used appropriately, with consent at every step