TMJ Therapy: How Physiotherapy Can Help Restore Comfort and Function

jollyn6
1 day ago
3 min read

We are excited to share that Jollyn is now accepting clients for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) physiotherapy at Southeast Physiotherapy. For over 20 years, Leann has been the region’s leading provider of TMJ assessment and treatment, helping countless individuals overcome jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension. As our clinic continues to grow, Jollyn is expanding her practice to offer the same specialised care, bringing her own compassionate, educational, and client-centred approach to TMJ treatment.

If you have been struggling with jaw discomfort, grinding, or clicking—or have been waiting to get in for TMJ treatment—Jollyn is ready to support you on your path to relief.

Understanding the TMJ

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most frequently used joints in the body, working every time we talk, eat, yawn, or express emotion. When the joint or surrounding muscles are not functioning smoothly, discomfort and limited movement can develop. This condition is known as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and can significantly impact daily comfort and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction presents differently for each person. Some notice jaw clicking or tenderness, while others struggle to open or close their mouth fully. It is also common to experience headaches or migraines, ear pressure or ringing, facial or neck muscle tightness, or changes in how the bite feels. For some individuals, symptoms appear occasionally; for others, they become persistent and interfere with essential activities like chewing, speaking, and sleeping.

What Causes TMJ Problems?

There is rarely a single cause. Instead, TMJ symptoms often develop from a combination of physical and lifestyle factors. Stress-related teeth clenching or grinding is common, as is poor posture—especially forward head posture, which alters neck and jaw mechanics over time. TMJ problems may also stem from arthritis, muscular imbalance, trauma, or dental alignment. Because every case is unique, a detailed assessment is essential in identifying what is contributing to your discomfort and determining the most effective path forward.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

With specialised TMJ training, physiotherapy can restore proper jaw movement and reduce strain on the surrounding tissues. During a TMJ assessment, Jollyn will evaluate jaw mechanics, muscle tension, posture, and daily habits to understand what is driving your symptoms and how to address them effectively.

Treatment often includes gentle manual therapy to release tight muscles in the jaw, face, neck, and upper back, which can improve mobility and reduce pain. Targeted exercises help strengthen and rebalance the muscles responsible for controlling the jaw. Because posture strongly influences TMJ function, correcting head and neck alignment often plays a role in recovery as well.

Education is a key component of treatment. Many people unknowingly develop habits—such as clenching throughout the day, chewing gum, resting the jaw open, or slouching—that worsen symptoms. Learning to recognise and change these patterns can lead to meaningful long-term improvements. Depending on your needs, additional treatment strategies such as heat or ice, dry needling, acupuncture, or other pain-relieving approaches may also be incorporated.

Who Can Benefit from TMJ therapy?

TMJ physiotherapy can help individuals who experience jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, and facial or neck tension. It is also beneficial for those who grind or clench their teeth, are recovering from dental procedures or jaw injury, or have arthritis affecting the jaw. Even long-standing or complex cases often improve significantly with targeted treatment and personalised support.

Why Choose Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy offers a holistic and client-centred approach that goes beyond simply managing pain. By addressing the factors contributing to TMJ dysfunction and improving the mechanics of jaw movement, many patients notice improvements not only in jaw comfort but also in posture, headache frequency, and overall well-being.

Jollyn’s goal is to help you understand what is happening in your body and guide you through a customised treatment plan that supports healing, improved function, and greater comfort in daily life.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If TMJ pain or jaw discomfort is affecting your daily activities, you don’t have to simply live with it. With Leann’s decades of experience and Jollyn’s expanded availability, we can now support even more clients seeking relief from TMJ-related symptoms.

Book an appointment with Jollyn at Southeast Physiotherapy today and take the first step toward improved jaw function, reduced pain, and a better understanding of your body.

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