Back In MotionCampbelltown

Are you experiencing a persistent ache around your jaw, a painful clicking sound when you chew, or even unexplained headaches? These could be signs of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction, a common condition affecting many Australians. While often overlooked, TMJ discomfort can significantly impact daily life, making simple actions like eating, speaking, or yawning uncomfortable. The good news? You don't have to navigate this alone. Our experienced physiotherapists at Back in Motion Campbelltown are here to help provide TMJ pain relief in Adelaide. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what TMJ dysfunction is, its common symptoms, and how a thoughtful physiotherapy approach can help to improve comfort and restore normal jaw function. 

What Exactly Is Your TMJ? Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint 

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a remarkable and complex joint that connects your lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bone of your skull, located just in front of your ear. You have one on each side of your head. 

Unlike many other joints, the jaw joint is unique because it allows for a combination of hinge-like movements (opening and closing) and gliding motions (side-to-side and forward-backward). This intricate movement is facilitated by a small, soft disc of cartilage (known as the articular disc) that acts as a shock absorber between the bones, along with a network of ligaments and muscles. Together, these components enable the vital functions of speaking, chewing, and yawning smoothly. When any part of this complex system is out of balance, it can lead to joint dysfunction and discomfort. For more detailed information, Healthdirect Australia provides a comprehensive overview of TMJ disorders [1]. 

Is It TMJ Dysfunction? Common Symptoms to Look For 

It can be challenging to pinpoint TMJ dysfunction on your own, as its symptoms often mimic other conditions. However, if you experience any of the following, it might be helpful to consider if your clicking jaw or jaw pain is related to your TMJ: 

• Jaw pain or tenderness: Often felt around the ear, in the face, or even extending into the neck. 
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds: Heard when opening or closing your mouth. This may not be painful and although the noises can be unsettling, when no other symptoms are present, may not require any treatment.  
• Difficulty or pain chewing: Especially with hard or chewy foods. 
• Jaw locking or getting stuck: Your jaw might briefly lock in an open or closed position, making it difficult to move. 
• Headaches: These are often experienced around the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes and can be a direct result of TMJ headaches or muscular tension However, persistent, new onset of or severe headaches should always be evaluated by a medical doctor (GP) first, to rule out other potential causes. 
• Earaches: Pain or fullness in the ear, without signs of infection. 
• Facial pain: A dull, aching pain across the face. 
• Difficulty fully opening the mouth: A restricted range of motion, which can often limit yawning, talking or eating.  

These TMJ symptoms often occur due to muscle tension, inflammation within the joint, or a displacement of the articular disc, all of which can lead to significant discomfort and impact your quality of life. 

What Causes TMJ Pain? Common Contributing Factors 

Understanding the root cause of your TMJ pain is crucial for effective management. While sometimes the cause isn't immediately obvious, common contributing factors include: 

• Teeth grinding or clenching (Bruxism): Often stress-related, this habit, whether conscious or unconscious (especially during sleep), puts significant pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles [2]. 
• Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck: A direct blow to the jaw, eating an overly large burger, or whiplash from an accident can sometimes trigger TMJ issues. 
• Arthritis in the TMJ: Although less common, degenerative changes or inflammatory arthritis can affect the joint. 
• Stress and tension: Emotional stress often manifests as muscle tightness, including in the jaw and neck, leading to or aggravating jaw clenching and pain. 
• Poor posture or neck dysfunction: Especially forward head posture, which can shift the alignment of your jaw and neck, increasing strain on the TMJ. [3]. 
• Dental issues: Misaligned bites (malocclusion) or extensive dental work that alters your bite can sometimes contribute. 
• Excessive jaw movements: Habits like frequent gum chewing, excessive yawning, or routinely biting nails can overwork the jaw muscles. 

How Physiotherapy Supports TMJ Pain Relief 

Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive, and holistic approach to managing TMJ dysfunction. Our experienced physiotherapists at Back in Motion Campbelltown in Adelaide understand the intricate relationship between your jaw, neck, and overall posture, and can develop a personalised treatment plan to help address your specific needs to reduce pain and improve function. .  

Here's how physio for jaw pain can help: 

• Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists use gentle, hands-on techniques including joint mobilisations to help restore normal movement to the TMJ itself, and soft tissue release for the jaw, neck, and upper back muscles that often contribute to your pain. 
• Dry Needling: If appropriate and consented to, dry needling for jaw pain relief is a technique used to target stubborn muscle trigger points in the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles, offering relief from tension and pain. Our physiotherapist Sachin Prakash Kumar offers dry needling for jaw pain.  
• Therapeutic Exercises: We will prescribe specific TMJ exercises tailored to your individual condition to improve movement, reduce muscle tension and improve the strength and coordination of your jaw muscles. These exercises are often a key component in supporting long-term TMJ pain relief. 
• Posture Correction: Addressing your neck and shoulder posture is vital. Forward head posture, for instance, can significantly impact jaw alignment. We'll guide you through exercises and ergonomic advice to help improve your overall posture. 
• Education and Self-Management Strategies: Understanding your condition is empowering. We'll provide advice on daily habits (e.g., avoiding hard foods, reducing gum chewing), stress management techniques, and other lifestyle modifications to help manage and prevent flare-ups. 
• Pain Management Strategies: We can advise on strategies such as applying heat or cold therapy, and teach relaxation techniques to help alleviate acute pain. 
• Refer on: We will work with your dentist or doctor when required for further treatment or assessment of your TMJ symptoms. This could include referral to your dentist for a custom night splint, to reduce grinding overnight. [4] 

Our goal is not just to provide immediate TMJ treatment in Adelaide, but to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your condition long-term.  

When to Consider Physiotherapy for Your TMJ Pain in Adelaide 

If you've been experiencing persistent jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty with jaw movements, and home remedies aren't providing sufficient relief, exploring professional support might be a valuable next step. Addressing TMJ issues early can often help prevent them from becoming chronic and more challenging to manage. 

You might consider seeing a physiotherapist for your TMJ pain in Adelaide if: 

• Your pain is persistent, worsening, or severe. 
• You experience frequent jaw locking or significant, painful clicking. 
• You're dealing with associated headaches from TMJ, earaches, or facial pain that impacts your daily life. 
• Your jaw discomfort is affecting your ability to eat, speak, or sleep comfortably. 

If you are experiencing severe or rapidly worsening pain, unexplained swelling, or any 'red flag' symptoms (e.g., sudden vision changes, neurological symptoms, fever or very severe unremitting pain), it's crucial to consult your medical doctor (GP) immediately before seeking physiotherapy. 

Our physiotherapists at Back in Motion Campbelltown are trained in assessing and managing TMJ dysfunction and are ready to provide you with comprehensive care. 

Click here to book an initial TMJ assessment online today or call us on 08 8365 7966 to discuss your concerns. We're conveniently located in Campbelltown in the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide. 

About the Author: 

This blog post was written by Kent Jordan, a Senior Physiotherapist at Back in Motion Campbelltown. Kent has a strong interest in complex musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic neck pain, headaches and TMJ dysfunction, utilising a holistic and evidence-based approach to empower patients in their recovery. 

References: 

[1] Healthdirect Australia. TMJ Disorders. Available at: [https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tmj-disorder](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tmj-disorder) (Accessed: July 27, 2025) 

[2] Manfredini, D., Lobbezoo, F. (2010). Relationship between bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 37(12), 970-983. 

[3] Rocabado, M. (1993). The importance of the stomatognathic system in the treatment of cervical and craniomandibular disorders. Cranio, 11(2), 17-32. 

[4] La Touche, R., Paris-Alemany, A., Mannheimer, J. S., Angulo-Diaz-Parreño, S., Arroyo-Morales, M., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C. (2016). The effects of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 30(2), 108-118.