Your partner in health and recovery
Condition Guide
Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause jaw pain, clicking, headaches and difficulty opening or chewing. Physiotherapy can help assess jaw, neck and muscle contributors and guide practical management.
Overview
Temporomandibular joint disorders, often called TMJ disorders or TMD, affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, ear-area discomfort or pain while chewing. Physiotherapy may help by assessing jaw movement, neck involvement, muscle tension and habits such as clenching, then guiding practical treatment and self-management.
Several factors may contribute, and the most relevant factors vary between people.
Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms are associated with:
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious condition is present, but they should be assessed promptly by an appropriate medical professional.
Treatment is individualised and may include:
Dry needling may be considered where clinically appropriate as one part of a broader rehabilitation programme. It is not required or suitable for every patient.
Recovery varies depending on jaw irritability, habits such as clenching, neck involvement, stress, sleep and dental factors. Treatment is individualised and may include physiotherapy, self-management strategies and referral for dental or medical input when needed.
No. Clicking without pain, locking or functional difficulty is not always serious, but painful or limiting clicking should be assessed.
Yes. Stress can increase clenching, muscle tension and symptom sensitivity in some people.
Dental review may be helpful if grinding, bite concerns or dental issues are part of the picture.
Physiotherapy may help with jaw movement, neck contributors, muscle tension, education and self-management.
Yes. Appointments can be arranged by calling or sending a WhatsApp message.
Treatment recommendations are based on the best available research, clinical expertise and your individual assessment.
Jaw symptoms often overlap with headaches, neck tension, stress and daily habits. My aim is to understand the individual pattern, explain what is happening and use evidence-based physiotherapy to improve comfort, confidence and meaningful function.
When you are not eating or speaking, your teeth should usually be apart. Noticing daytime clenching is a useful first step.
Resource in development
Resource in development
Resource in development
Exercises should be selected according to the individual assessment. Exercise links remain marked as Resource in development until approved by Marna Webb.
Resource in development
Resource in development
Resource in development
Resource in development
Resource in development
Resource in development
Contact Marna Webb Physiotherapy for an individual assessment and treatment plan.