Jaw Pain, Clicking or Tension? Your Physio May Be Able to Help
Do you sometimes feel pain around your jaw, notice a clicking sound when you open your mouth, or experience tightness through your neck and jaw area?
These symptoms may be related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the small but important joint that connects your jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. While it’s a common source of discomfort, many people don’t realise physiotherapy may help manage these issues.
As Physiotherapists, we regularly work with clients experiencing jaw, neck, and facial tension. Often these symptoms are linked to stress, posture, or muscle imbalances and a thorough assessment can help determine where your symptoms originate and provide strategies to reduce pain and improve movement.
What Is the TMJ?
The TMJ allows your jaw to move so you can talk, chew, yawn, smile, and swallow. Because it’s in constant use, it’s particularly vulnerable to irritation or overload.
Even small issues can lead to symptoms such as:
Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth
Pain when chewing or talking
Jaw stiffness or tightness
A feeling of locking or catching
Headaches or pressure around the temples
Ear discomfort or ringing (in some cases)
Tension through the neck and shoulders
What Can Contribute to TMJ Discomfort?
TMJ-related pain often has multiple contributing factors, including:
Clenching or grinding (often linked to stress or sleep habits)
Poor posture, particularly during desk work or screen time
Overuse of the jaw, like frequent gum chewing or nail-biting
Neck or shoulder tension
Stress or emotional tension that increases muscle tightness
How a Physiotherapist Can Help
Our physiotherapists can work with you to relieve muscle tension, improve movement, and support long-term habits that reduce jaw and neck strain.
Treatment may include:
A Functional Assessment
We’ll look at how your jaw, neck, and shoulders move, and check for areas of tightness or imbalance.
Gentle Hands-On Treatment
This may include soft tissue techniques, massage, or gentle joint mobilisations to reduce discomfort and encourage freer movement.
Jaw and Neck Exercises
Targeted exercises can help you regain proper movement patterns, improve strength, and reduce compensatory habits.
Education Around Habits and Posture
We’ll help you identify behaviours (like clenching or poor posture) that may be contributing to your symptoms — and give you practical tools to change them.
Stress and Relaxation Support
Breathing and relaxation strategies can reduce muscle tension around the jaw and neck, especially when symptoms are linked to stress.
Collaborative Care (If Needed)
If we feel your case would benefit from input from your dentist, GP, or another healthcare provider, we’re happy to work together as part of your care team.
Don’t Ignore Ongoing Jaw or Neck Pain
Many people assume jaw pain is something they “just have to live with,” but that’s not necessarily true.
If your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, whether it’s chewing, talking, or just feeling tense, a physiotherapy assessment might help uncover contributing factors and guide you toward relief.
Book an Appointment
If you’re dealing with jaw discomfort, neck tension, or related symptoms, book an appointment with our friendly team at Inner Strength Bayside. We’re here to support healthy movement, from head to toe.
📞 Call us on 8555 4099 or book online today.
