Treatment of Jaw Joint Pain & Dysfunction

Although jaw pain is a condition that is not commonly treated by most physiotherapists, at Take Control Active Rehab our physiotherapists understand the complex link between the jaw and the head/neck. Several of our physiotherapists have a special interest in TMJ related conditions and are highly experienced in the management and treatment of the symptoms of TMJ jaw joint pain and dysfunction, including face pain, neck pain and headaches.

TMJ related conditions and are highly experienced in the management and treatment of the symptoms of TMJ jaw joint pain and dysfunction, including face pain, neck pain and headaches. A TMJ disorder occurs when a jaw injury, inflammation, arthritis or overuse causes jaw pain or dysfunction with your jaw joints and jaw muscles.

Signs that you may have TMJ Disorder include:

• Clicking, popping or grating noises in your jaw when you open or close your mouth

• Asymmetric jaw movements

• Pain around your jaw and face

• Tenderness of your jaw muscles

• Pain or difficulty in yawning, chewing or opening your mouth wide

• Inability to open your mouth wide to eat certain foods – your jaw feels locked

• Accelerated tooth wear (reported by your dentist)

• Frequent headaches, especially when your wake in the morning

• Pain or stiffness at the back of your head or neck

Our multi-faceted and effective approach to managing TMJ disorder and face pain includes:

• Treating both the inside and the outside of your mouth – helps to reduce the pain and spasm associated with these conditions and to assist the return of normal TMJ function.

• Treating stiffness and spasm in your neck and upper back – provides relief from associated symptoms that you might experience if you have TMJ disorder.

• Creating specific exercises – stretches tight muscles and strengthens others to help normalise your TMJ and neck function.

There’s no need to put up with TMJ jaw joint pain and dysfunction. Jaw pain responds very well to specialised physiotherapy treatment, with most people experiencing significant improvement within the first few treatments.