Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain
What is TMJ?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain refers to discomfort in the jaw, which can arise from poor posture, habits, growth disorders, injury, or inflammation. It is a common condition, particularly affecting women aged 20–50. TMJ pain can lead to issues such as jaw stiffness, headaches, and difficulty with chewing or speaking.
How do I know it’s TMJ?
Signs and symptoms include the following:
- Pain in the jaw or facial muscles
- Clicking, grinding, or locking in the jaw
- Headaches and dizziness
- Aching in and around your ear
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Pain when chewing or yawning
What causes it?
There can be many causes, but some of the more common causes include:
- Grinding your teeth (bruxism)
- Trauma
- Arthritis
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
How can physiotherapy help
Daisy, our TMJ specialist, will assess your jaw, neck, and tongue, checking for stiffness, swelling, or spasms. She will also evaluate your jaw movement, posture, and any signs of teeth grinding or bite asymmetry. Physiotherapy can often relieve TMJ pain without the need for invasive procedures. Treatment options may include:
- Soft tissue release to affected muscles
- Mobilisation techniques to affected joints
- Where appropriate, provide advice on information to share with dentists and use of temporary splints
- Advice on pain management including liaising with your GP
- Providing exercises for your neck and jaw
- Acupuncture/dry needling
How do I book in?
This service with our TMJ specialist Daisy is available in Alresford. If self-funding, select “TMJ Initial Assessment” when booking. For bookings with pre-authorised insurance, choose an initial assessment corresponding to your insurer, then select Alresford and Daisy to access her availability. You can book online or visit our contact page for phone and email options.
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