Jaw pain can be surprisingly disruptive, affecting how you eat, talk and even sleep. Often it comes with clicking, headaches or neck tension, and sometimes the worry that your jaw might lock. The reassuring news is that most jaw pain and TMJ problems respond well to physiotherapy.
In this guide we explain what the TMJ is, why it happens, why true lock jaw is rare, and how physiotherapy can help you get back to normal, often without needing a specialist.
What Is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint where your jawbone meets your skull, just in front of each ear. It is a busy joint that lets you open, close, clench and relax your jaw, and move it side to side. Several muscles around the TMJ, including the temporalis and masseter, power and control these movements, and they can become tight and tender when the joint is under strain. Because the TMJ works so hard every day, chewing, talking and often clenching, it is no surprise that it sometimes becomes sore or irritated.
Why Am I Feeling Jaw Pain?
Jaw trouble, sometimes called a temporomandibular disorder or TMD, can come on suddenly after an event like a knock or dental work, or build up gradually over time. It is usually multifactorial, meaning several things combine rather than one clear cause. The key point is that it is common and, like aches elsewhere in the body, is usually not a sign of serious damage, even when it feels alarming.
Common Jaw Symptoms
Jaw problems rarely travel alone. Alongside pain in the jaw itself, common symptoms include neck pain, headaches or migraines, ear symptoms like fullness or ringing, and noises such as popping, clicking or a catching sensation. These can be uncomfortable and worrying, but clicking and popping on their own are very common and not usually a cause for alarm. If headaches are a big part of your picture, they are often linked to the neck as well as the jaw.
Is It Really Lock Jaw?
Many people worry their jaw will lock or dislocate, but true lock jaw is extremely rare. A jaw that feels stiff, catches briefly, or is hard to open wide is far more common than an actual dislocation, and it does not mean structural damage has occurred. If your jaw does fully lock and will not move, that needs prompt medical attention, but for most people, the feeling of lock jaw is muscle tightness and joint irritation rather than the joint truly locking.
What Causes Jaw Pain?
Because it is multifactorial, several things can contribute. A history of neck or jaw problems, a sudden increase in how much you use your jaw, frequent jaw use with little rest, a traumatic event, or even general inflammation from being unwell can all play a part. Habits like clenching or grinding, often linked to stress, are common contributors too, and they frequently flare during busy or stressful periods. Identifying what is loading your jaw is the first step to settling it.
Can Physiotherapy Help Jaw Pain?
Yes. Physiotherapy is an effective option for the jaw and TMJ, and you often do not need to see a specialist first. A physiotherapist can assess and treat the jaw, and in some cases it helps to work alongside your dentist so all aspects of your care are covered. Physiotherapy for the jaw is well supported by research and focuses on settling the problem and restoring normal, comfortable movement.
What to Expect From Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist will take a history of your symptoms and assess the movement of your jaw, neck and shoulders, as well as the TMJ itself. Treatment usually follows two stages: first, calming the aggravated joint and surrounding muscles, then gradually rebuilding range of motion and strength. In the early stage you may be seen more frequently to settle things down, and you will be given simple home exercises to support your recovery between sessions. Most people can expect steady improvement with the right plan and a bit of patience.
Common Questions About Jaw Pain
Can a physiotherapist treat jaw pain?
Yes. A physiotherapist can assess and treat the jaw and TMJ, often without needing a specialist referral, and may work with your dentist where helpful.
Is lock jaw serious?
True lock jaw or dislocation is rare and would need prompt medical care. Far more often, a stiff or catching jaw is muscle and joint irritation, which physiotherapy can help settle.
What does TMJ pain feel like?
TMJ pain often feels like an ache or sharpness around the jaw or ear, sometimes with clicking, headaches or neck pain. It can vary from mild to quite uncomfortable, but is usually manageable.
How BeFit Can Help With Jaw Pain
At BeFit Training Physiotherapy, we assess and treat jaw pain, TMJ problems and related headaches and neck tension. Our TMJ, headache and vestibular service is designed for exactly this, and our general physiotherapy team can help with the neck and shoulder factors that often come with it. Initial consultations run for 45 minutes, one-on-one.
Our team at Edgecliff and Coogee would be glad to help. No referral is required, and HICAPS is available on-site for immediate health fund claiming.
Book an appointment at BeFit Training Physiotherapy — no referral needed.
Edgecliff: (02) 9327 7749 | Coogee: (02) 7205 2805 | befittrainingphysio.com/book-now
Related Services at BeFit
Learn more about how our team can help:
TMJ, Headache & Vestibular
General Physiotherapy
Sports Physiotherapy
Further Reading
How to Finally Reduce Cervicogenic Headaches With Physio
Headaches and Neck Pain
References
Armijo-Olivo S, et al. Effectiveness of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 2016.
Paço M, Peleteiro B, Duarte J, Pinho T. The effectiveness of physiotherapy in the management of temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2016.
List T, Jensen RH. Temporomandibular disorders: old ideas and new concepts. Cephalalgia. 2017.
Australian Physiotherapy Association. Clinical guidelines. physiotherapy.asn.au.
