Jaw Pain/Dysfunction

The Jaw joint is called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), and is a joint formed by the jawbone (the Mandible) and the Temporal bone in the skull. The TMJ performs day-to-day tasks such as chewing, talking, yawning and smiling. Pain in the Jaw or TMJ area can be associated with headaches and neck pain.

TMD stands for Temporomandibular dysfunction and is pain and dysfunction of the TMJ and muscles around it.

Symptoms of TMJ pain or dysfunction include:

Pain when opening mouth, eating, chewing, yawning etc.
Inability to open mouth fully, due to pain, restriction and locking.
Clicking in the jaw with or without pain.
Joint locking.
Headaches (especially in the temples).
Facial Pain.

TMJ pain or dysfunction could be triggered by trauma through a motor vehicle accident, or felt after a recent dental procedure which may require having your mouth open for an extended period of time, biting a large piece of hard food, chewing gum, nail biting, clenching jaw or grinding teeth for prolonged periods.

How can we help?

Our Physiotherapists will individually assess your condition and determine the best course of action. We use a combination of techniques such as hands on treatment involving joint mobilisation or soft tissue hands on therapy, to help reduce stiffness, restore normal mobility and reduce muscle tension in the jaw.

Your Physiotherapist may prescribe a home exercise program and strategies to help manage the pain and stiffness. Home exercises can help resolve symptoms long-term as they help strengthen and relax the muscles that influence the TMJ.

John Paul Kola is our Physiotherapist who is experienced and educated in treating TMJ pain. John Paul is only available at our Golden Grove clinic. Call us on 08 7325 6600 for more information.