Jaw and facial pain
Pain around the jaw, cheek, or ear is a common presentation. It may be dull and constant, or sharp and movement-related — aggravated by chewing, talking, or opening the mouth widely.
TMJ Treatment — Jaw Pain Physiotherapy
Assessment and treatment for jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction — at our Avonhead and Longhurst clinics.
Jaw pain can be persistent, frustrating, and surprisingly disruptive to daily life. If you have noticed clicking when chewing, pain near your ear, headaches that won't settle, or difficulty opening your mouth fully, you may be experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
What is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. It is one of the most frequently used joints in the body — active when you talk, chew, yawn, swallow, and breathe. Because it works so constantly, it can become overloaded or dysfunctional.
TMJ dysfunction (also called TMD) can involve the joint itself, the cartilage disc inside the joint, the surrounding muscles, or the neck and upper spine. Jaw pain and neck pain often present together — which is why our assessment always considers both.
Common presentations we see in clinic
TMJ pain does not always feel like straightforward jaw pain. Physiotherapy may be helpful for people experiencing:
Clicking, popping, or grinding
Sounds or sensations within the joint during jaw movement — including clicking, popping, or crepitus — may indicate disc or joint involvement and are worth having assessed.
Jaw locking or restricted opening
Difficulty fully opening the mouth, or a sensation of the jaw catching or locking, may indicate disc displacement or muscle dysfunction affecting jaw movement.
Headaches and temple pain
Headaches originating at the temples or base of the skull are frequently associated with jaw muscle tension and TMJ dysfunction, particularly in people who clench or grind.
Neck and upper shoulder tension
The muscles of the jaw, face, and neck are closely interconnected. Persistent neck and upper shoulder tension can both contribute to and result from TMJ dysfunction.
Ear symptoms
Ear fullness, ringing, or a sense of pressure around the ear — without an identifiable ear condition — can sometimes be associated with TMJ dysfunction given the proximity of the joint to the ear canal.
Why TMJ pain develops
There is rarely a single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Common contributing factors include:
- Clenching or grinding, particularly during stress or at night
- Prolonged desk work with forward head posture
- Previous dental procedures or jaw trauma
- High or sustained stress levels
- Poor jaw muscle coordination
- Joint hypermobility
Imaging does not always tell the full story. Many people have disc changes without symptoms, and many people have significant symptoms without clear findings on a scan. Our assessment focuses on how your jaw is functioning – not only on what imaging shows.
Our approach to TMJ treatment
We take a practical, hands-on, and education-focused approach to TMJ assessment and treatment.
Hands-on treatment
Treatment may include gentle TMJ joint mobilisation, soft tissue release to the jaw, face, and neck muscles, and upper cervical spine treatment. Improving neck mobility often has a significant effect on jaw symptoms.
Specific jaw exercises
TMJ rehabilitation is subtle and precise rather than heavy strengthening. Exercise prescription may include work on jaw coordination, restoring smooth movement, reducing muscle overactivity, and building joint tolerance. These exercises are straightforward but require good technique – Renee will guide you through them at your appointment.
Clenching and stress management
Many TMJ presentations are linked to unconscious daytime clenching. Your physiotherapist can help you recognise clenching patterns, modify jaw position at rest, manage load during flare-ups, and implement practical strategies to reduce the contribution of stress to your symptoms.
Collaborative care when needed
Where appropriate, we work alongside dentists (for splints or occlusal management), GPs, and other health professionals. Conservative physiotherapy management is always the first approach — surgery is rarely indicated for TMJ dysfunction.
What our patients say
Excellent experience
Maggie McInnes is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her mahi but most importantly she is driven by empathy and kindness. You never feel rushed or dismissed in her appointments.
Tori Holden
Exceptionally skilled and caring
They are exceptionally skilled and caring and show genuine warmth and empathy and client care. I would never go anywhere else.
Veresha Padayachee
Very Professional service
Saw Jack today. He got to the bottom of my wrist issue right away. Told me what was causing the issue and how to fix it.
Lewis Cashell
TMJ Treatment appointment costs
ACC-funded treatment
If your injury was caused by an accident, ACC may cover part of your treatment cost. You'll pay a patient co-payment per appointment.
Initial appointment
45 minutes
$57
(concession $52)
Follow-up appointment
30 minutes
$49
(concession $44)
Private treatment
For injuries not caused by an accident, standard physiotherapy fees apply.
Initial appointment
45 minutes
$112
(concession $107)
Follow-up appointment
30 minutes
$87
(concession $82)
Questions about costs before you book? Call your nearest clinic, we're happy to help.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Consider booking an assessment if your jaw pain has persisted for more than a few weeks, you are getting recurring headaches, your jaw locks or feels restricted, you wake with jaw tension, or eating and talking aggravates your symptoms.
No. A scan of your jaw not required before booking. If imaging is clinically relevant, we will advise you during your assessment.
No referral is needed. You can book directly online at Avonhead or Longhurst.
If your jaw injury was caused by an accident — including a sporting injury, a fall, or another accidental event — it may be covered by ACC. If you have an existing ACC claim, mention this when booking. For non-accidental presentations, standard physiotherapy fees apply.
Not necessarily. Physiotherapy and dental management often complement each other for TMJ presentations, but you do not need a dental referral before seeing a physiotherapist. If we feel dental input would be beneficial, she will advise you.
This depends on the nature and severity of your presentation. Your physiotherapist will give you a clearer picture at your initial assessment.
Book a TMJ assessment
TMJ physiotherapy is available at our Avonhead and Longhurst clinics. Book online or call reception.
Renee Cameron
Physiotherapist
Book OnlineLonghurst – Longhurst Medical Centre, 53 Caulfield Avenue, Halswell, Christchurch 8011
Rosana Vaz
Physiotherapist & Clinical Pilates Instructor
Book OnlineAvonhead – 204 Withells Road, Avonhead, Christchurch
