Understanding TMJ/TMD: How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Jaw Pain
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Do you experience jaw pain, clicking or popping when you chew, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth? These symptoms may be related to a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
At Pumicestone Physio & Sport, we're pleased to now offer specialised physiotherapy assessment and treatment for TMJ and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) with our experienced physiotherapist, Lynette Pickersgill.
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two joints located just in front of your ears that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. These joints work together with the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and discs to allow you to speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw smoothly.
Because the TMJ is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, problems affecting it can have a significant impact on daily life.
What is TMD?
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a term used to describe a range of conditions affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and surrounding structures.
Common symptoms include:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
Difficulty or pain when chewing
Limited jaw opening or locking
Facial pain
Headaches or migraines
Neck pain
Ear pain, fullness, or ringing (when other ear conditions have been ruled out)
Many people don't realise that persistent headaches or neck pain can sometimes be related to dysfunction of the jaw.
What Causes TMD?
There is rarely a single cause. TMD often develops due to a combination of factors, including:
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (particularly during sleep)
Stress and muscle tension
Injury or trauma to the jaw
Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
Poor posture, particularly involving the neck and upper back
Muscle imbalance
Previous dental procedures or prolonged mouth opening
Every person is different, which is why a thorough assessment is essential.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess not only the jaw itself, but also the muscles, neck, posture, and movement patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include:
Comprehensive assessment of the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles
Hands-on therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve joint movement
Gentle techniques to improve jaw mobility
Exercises to improve strength, control, and coordination
Postural assessment and correction
Education about jaw habits, chewing techniques, and symptom management
Strategies to reduce clenching and muscle overactivity
Individualised home exercise programs
Research shows that conservative management, including physiotherapy, can be highly effective for many people living with TMD.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Jaw pain doesn't have to become something you simply "live with."
Without treatment, ongoing jaw dysfunction may contribute to persistent pain, headaches, difficulty eating, disturbed sleep, and reduced quality of life.
Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and provide strategies to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve function before symptoms become more persistent.
Meet Our TMJ/TMD Physiotherapist: Lynette Pickersgill
We are excited to welcome Lynette Pickersgill to Pumicestone Physio & Sport.
Lynette has a special clinical interest in the assessment and treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and is dedicated to helping people experiencing jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, and associated neck dysfunction.
She understands that TMD often involves more than just the jaw. By taking a whole-person approach, Lynette assesses how the jaw, neck, posture, and surrounding muscles work together to develop an individualised treatment plan designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve your quality of life.
Whether your symptoms have only recently begun or you've been living with jaw pain for years, Lynette can help guide your recovery with evidence-informed physiotherapy treatment.
Book an Appointment
If you're experiencing jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, facial pain, or difficulty chewing, physiotherapy may be able to help.
Lynette Pickersgill is now accepting appointments for TMJ and TMD assessment and treatment at Pumicestone Physio & Sport.
Contact our friendly reception team today to book an appointment and take the first step towards more comfortable movement and improved jaw function.
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