Have you been experiencing pain in your jaw lately? Is it paired with a clicking or popping jaw sensation, or a feeling that your mouth doesn’t open as wide as it used to? Has it started to limit what foods you can comfortably eat? If so, you may be dealing with issues related to the temporomandibular joint, and physiotherapy for jaw pain relief in Duncan may be able to help you understand what’s going on.
What Is the TMJ?
You’ll often hear people refer to the jaw as the “TMJ.” TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull. You can feel the joint by placing your fingertips just in front of your ear and then opening and closing your mouth.
That small movement you feel is the head of the mandible pressing into the surrounding jaw muscles.
The TMJ plays an important role in speaking, chewing, yawning, and daily function. When something disrupts how it moves, discomfort or restricted jaw motion can follow.
What Makes the TMJ Unique?
Unlike many joints in the body, the TMJ includes a small disc that sits between the mandible and the skull. In TMJ dysfunction, this disc can shift out of its normal position. When this happens, the mandible may not move smoothly, causing pain, limited opening, or a deviation of the jaw to one side. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ disorders can affect the joint itself, the surrounding muscles, or both (NIDCR, 2025).
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
Jaw muscle tension is one of the most common contributors to TMJ discomfort. The masseter and temporalis muscles are particularly prone to becoming tight. These muscles can tense up due to:
- Stress or clenching
- A motor vehicle accident
- Dental procedures that require prolonged mouth opening
- Frequently chewing tough or hard foods
- Habitual gum chewing
Over time, this tension can restrict movement, create discomfort, and lead to TMJ dysfunction.
Can the TMJ Cause Headaches?
Yes. TMJ dysfunction is a frequently overlooked cause of headaches. Many people seek treatment for their neck or upper back without realizing that tension or irritation around the jaw may be contributing. When the jaw muscles are relaxed and the joint moves more freely, some individuals experience a reduction in headache symptoms.
How Do We Treat TMJ Dysfunction?
A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether your jaw pain is coming from tight muscles, restricted joint movement, or a combination of factors. Your physiotherapist may use a variety of techniques based on your needs, including:
- Gentle soft tissue massage
- Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) when deeper release is needed
- Manual traction of the mandible
- Targeted joint glides to support disc alignment
- Posture and breathing strategies to reduce tension in accessory muscles
According to MedlinePlus, conservative approaches such as exercises, joint mobilization, and soft-tissue techniques are commonly used to help manage symptoms related to TMJ disorders (MedlinePlus, 2024).
Your physiotherapist may also teach jaw mobility exercises to help restore natural movement patterns at home.
Are There Exercises You Can Do at Home?
Yes. There are several exercises that may help improve coordination and reduce tension around the jaw. In an upcoming blog article, we will review a series of six exercises you can try at home. Your physiotherapist can help you determine which ones are most appropriate for your symptoms.
Many of Our Clinicians Treat TMJ Dysfunction
Many of the physiotherapists at our clinic are experienced in assessing and treating TMJ dysfunction. If you’ve been dealing with a tight, painful jaw, or symptoms that don’t seem to resolve on their own, physiotherapy for jaw pain relief in Duncan may offer helpful guidance and next steps.
FAQ
1. Why does my jaw click or pop?
A clicking or popping jaw often occurs when the disc inside the TMJ shifts slightly during movement. This can happen due to muscle tension, joint stiffness, or changes in jaw mechanics.
2. Can physiotherapy help jaw pain even if I don’t know what caused it?
Yes. Even without a clear cause, physiotherapists assess how your jaw and surrounding muscles are moving. This helps identify contributing factors such as jaw muscle tension or limited joint mobility.
3. When should I see a physiotherapist for jaw pain?
If jaw pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is interfering with eating or speaking, or is accompanied by reduced opening, a physiotherapy assessment may help determine your next steps.
4. Does TMJ dysfunction always require imaging?
Not usually. TMJ-related pain is often diagnosed through a combination of history, physical examination, and symptom patterns.
5. Can stress contribute to jaw pain?
Yes. Stress can lead to clenching or grinding, which increases tension in the jaw muscles and may contribute to TMJ dysfunction.
If jaw pain has been affecting your daily life, a personalized physiotherapy assessment can help you understand what’s going on and explore your next steps. Book an appointment for physiotherapy for jaw pain relief in Duncan today.
References
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (August 2025). TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd
MedlinePlus. (May 2024). Temporomandibular joint disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/temporomandibulardisorders.html
Written By:
Patrick Jadan
Registered Physiotherapist, Co-Owner of Thrive Now Physiotherapy
