Conditions we treat
Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the jaw joint on either side of the head, just in front of the ear — is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. Because of its close relationship with the neck and skull, problems here can cause symptoms well beyond the jaw itself.
Symptoms
TMJ dysfunction can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping when opening your mouth, and limited jaw opening, along with less obvious symptoms like headaches, ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears, and neck pain — since the jaw and neck are closely linked.
Common Causes
Teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep), jaw injury, excessive gum chewing or chewing hard foods, and stress-related muscle tension are common contributors.
Treatment
Andrew treats TMJ dysfunction with manual therapy, dry needling and soft tissue release, combined with stretches and lifestyle changes such as eating softer foods and managing stress during flare-ups. Because dental and jaw alignment issues can also contribute, Andrew works closely with dentists and orthodontists where combined care is helpful.
How we treat it
Treatments used for temporal mandibular joint (tmj) dysfunction
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Dry NeedlingDry needling uses thin, sterile needles to release tight, overactive trigger points in muscle — a Western, evidence-based technique distinct from traditional acupuncture.Frequently asked questions
What causes TMJ pain?
Common causes include teeth grinding or clenching (often during sleep), jaw injury, excessive gum chewing, chewing hard foods, and stress-related muscle tension. The jaw joint has a close relationship with the neck, so problems in one area often affect the other.
Can TMJ dysfunction cause headaches or ear pain?
Yes — because of the close relationship between the jaw, neck and skull, TMJ dysfunction can refer pain into the head, ears and face, sometimes causing headaches, ear pain without infection, or a feeling of fullness in the ears. Treating the jaw and neck together often resolves these associated symptoms.
How do you relieve TMJ pain at home?
Eating softer foods, avoiding chewing gum and wide yawning, using ice packs, and managing stress can all help ease symptoms in the short term. These help manage flare-ups, but addressing the underlying joint restriction and muscle tension with proper treatment is what resolves the problem long-term.
Can a physiotherapist treat TMJ dysfunction?
Yes — Andrew treats TMJ dysfunction with manual therapy, dry needling and soft tissue release, alongside stretches and lifestyle changes, and works closely with dentists and orthodontists where combined care is needed.
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