TMJ & Jaw Pain Physio Frankston
TMJ symptoms can affect everyday life
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect the lower jaw to the skull. Jaw problems may involve pain when chewing or speaking, stiffness, clicking, limited opening, fatigue around the jaw, or symptoms that overlap with the neck and some headaches.
Symptoms can have several contributing factors, including jaw clenching or teeth grinding, a change in loading, dental issues, trauma or movement habits. Assessment helps determine whether physiotherapy may be appropriate.
What will Ash assess?
Ash will ask about your symptoms, dental or medical history, clenching or grinding, and the activities that affect your jaw. The physical assessment may include comfortable jaw movement and control, the muscles around the jaw, and relevant neck and shoulder movement.
Dental or medical assessment may be recommended when symptoms suggest a tooth or gum problem, infection, significant trauma or another non-musculoskeletal cause. Seek prompt medical care if your jaw is visibly out of position or you cannot close your mouth after an injury.
A tailored TMJ and jaw treatment plan
Where physiotherapy is appropriate, your plan may include gentle hands-on treatment, targeted jaw and neck exercises, movement retraining, education and practical strategies for eating, speaking, training or managing aggravating habits. Ash can work alongside your dentist or GP when coordinated care is helpful.
Frequently asked questions
Does jaw clicking always need treatment?
Not necessarily. Clicking without pain or limitation may not require treatment. Assessment is useful when clicking is accompanied by pain, locking, reduced movement or difficulty with everyday activities.
Should I see a dentist as well?
See a dentist for tooth pain, dental damage, bite concerns or suspected grinding-related tooth problems. Some people benefit from both dental and physiotherapy input.
Do I need a referral?
Private patients do not need a GP referral. My Therapist Group does not currently accept TAC, WorkCover or NDIS clients.