TMJ Physiotherapy
What Is TMJ Physiotherapy?
The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as the TMJ, is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. There is one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. These joints are involved in almost every movement of the jaw — opening, closing, chewing, yawning, and speaking.
When the TMJ is not moving or loading correctly, it can produce a range of symptoms that affect daily life. Some people notice a click or pop when they open their mouth. Others experience pain in the jaw, face, or temples, or find that their jaw feels stiff or restricted in the morning. In some cases the jaw locks, either getting stuck open or closed, which can be both painful and alarming.
TMJ physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of these joint, muscle, and movement problems using hands on techniques, targeted exercise, and education. At Onward Physiotherapy, TMJ assessment and treatment is a dedicated service. Joshua Onden Lim has completed additional training in jaw disorders beyond standard physiotherapy qualifications, which shapes how problems are assessed and what treatment approaches are used.
Who This Is For
TMJ physiotherapy at Onward Physiotherapy is suited to you if:
- Your jaw clicks, pops, or grinds when you open or close your mouth
- You have pain in your jaw, face, temples, or around your ears
- Your jaw feels stiff or restricted, particularly in the morning
- Your jaw locks or gets stuck open or closed
- You wake up with jaw pain or facial tension
- You have been told you grind your teeth or clench your jaw
- You have headaches that originate around the jaw or temples
- You have had dental work and your jaw has not felt right since
- You have tried a dental splint but still have pain or restricted movement
- You have been diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction but have not had hands on treatment
TMJ pain is also common in people with demanding jobs, high stress loads, or both. Stress related jaw clenching and teeth grinding are frequent contributors to jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension, and are particularly common in professionals, managers, and anyone carrying a significant mental or physical workload.
What Is Included
The initial TMJ appointment runs for 45 minutes. Joshua takes a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, whether there is a pattern to when pain occurs, and what you have already tried. This is followed by a physical assessment covering jaw range of motion and symmetry, muscle tenderness and sensitivity, joint behaviour including clicking, deviation and locking patterns, and a screen of the cervical spine. Neck involvement is common in TMJ disorders and is frequently missed in shorter assessments.
Treatment within the initial session may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue work to the jaw and surrounding muscles, dry needling where appropriate, and exercises to restore normal jaw movement and reduce muscle sensitivity. You will leave with a clear explanation of what is contributing to your symptoms and a specific home program.
Follow up appointments are 40 minutes and build on the initial assessment. Treatment progresses based on your response and goals.
The Process Step by Step
- Full symptom history including onset, pattern, contributing factors, and prior treatment
- Assessment of jaw range of motion and symmetry
- Muscle palpation to identify which muscles are involved and how sensitive they are
- Joint assessment including clicking, locking patterns, and range of movement
- Cervical spine screen to assess neck involvement
- Hands on treatment within the initial session
- Home exercise program that is specific, realistic, and time efficient
- Clear plan for follow up frequency based on your presentation
What It Costs and How Long It Takes
- Initial TMJ consultation: $130 for 45 minutes
- Follow up TMJ consultation: $120 for 40 minutes
- Medicare: paid upfront, $61.80 rebate processed on the spot with a Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP
No referral is needed to book directly. If you plan to use a Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plan, your GP will need to provide the referral before your appointment.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on the nature and duration of your symptoms. Mild to moderate jaw pain and clicking that has been present for a short time often responds well within a small number of sessions. More persistent presentations involving significant muscle sensitivity, long standing restricted movement, or jaw locking may take longer. Joshua will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment.
Book a TMJ Physiotherapy Appointment
Phone: 0439 134 490
Website: onwardphysiotherapy.com.au
Address: 9 East Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141
Hours: Sunday 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30am to 8pm, Tuesday 8:30am to 5pm
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FAQ — TMJ Physiotherapy
What does a TMJ physiotherapy appointment cost?
An initial TMJ consultation is $130 for 45 minutes. Follow ups are $120 for 40 minutes. If you have a Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP, you pay the full fee upfront and the $61.80 rebate is processed on the spot.
Do I need a referral for TMJ physiotherapy?
No referral is needed to book directly. If you plan to use a Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plan, your GP will need to provide the referral before your appointment.
Is TMJ physiotherapy different from seeing a dentist for jaw pain?
Yes. Dentists address the structural and bite related aspects of jaw problems including splints and dental alignment. Physiotherapy addresses the muscular and joint movement components. The two approaches complement each other. If you have already tried a splint without full relief, physiotherapy addresses what a splint alone does not.
Can physiotherapy help with jaw clicking?
Physiotherapy can reduce or resolve jaw clicking in many cases, depending on the cause. A full assessment at the first appointment will clarify what is driving your symptoms and what outcome is realistic for your presentation.
How long until I notice improvement?
This varies depending on your presentation. Some patients notice a change in symptoms within the first few sessions. More persistent or complex presentations take longer. Joshua will give you a realistic timeframe at your first appointment based on your specific assessment findings.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Yes. Stress related jaw clenching and teeth grinding are common contributors to jaw pain, facial tension, and headaches. These are assessed and addressed as part of a TMJ physiotherapy treatment plan.
What is the cervical spine screen and why does it matter for jaw pain?
The cervical spine is the neck. Neck posture, stiffness, and muscle tension frequently contribute to TMJ symptoms and are often missed when the jaw is assessed in isolation. Including a cervical spine screen as part of the initial assessment gives a more complete picture of what is contributing to your symptoms.