Common TMJ symptoms we assess
- Pain in front of the ear, cheek or temple
- Clicking or grating when opening or closing the mouth
- Limitation or locking, especially in the morning
- Jaw pain with chewing, yawning or talking for long periods
- Headaches that start near the temple or jaw
- Clenching and grinding, including during sleep
What treatment involves
The assessment checks how the jaw opens, closes and moves sideways, along with the neck, posture and the muscles of the face and jaw. Treatment combines manual therapy, exercise and habit changes. If a dental splint or bite issue is involved, we coordinate with your dentist.
- 1Measure jaw opening, deviation and joint sounds.
- 2Assess the neck, posture and jaw muscles.
- 3Reduce muscle guarding with manual therapy and gentle movement.
- 4Retrain opening and closing patterns and resting jaw position.
- 5Address clenching, chewing habits and sleep-related grinding where possible.
How long it takes
Many people notice a clear change within four to six sessions when the main driver is muscular. Cases with structural joint damage, long-standing locking or significant dental factors take longer and may need co-management.
About this guidance
This page is general information about physiotherapy for this problem, not a diagnosis. An assessment is the only way to know what is driving your symptoms and what treatment suits you.
Reviewed by Dr. Sneha Ramchandani, PT, BPTh, MIAP, Founder and physiotherapist at Muscle Lab, Andheri East.
Questions people ask
Is jaw clicking always a problem?
No. Clicking without pain or limitation is common and does not always need treatment. Clicking that comes with pain, locking or a change in bite should be assessed.
Can physiotherapy help lockjaw?
Often yes, particularly when muscle guarding or disc displacement is involved. A locked jaw that cannot open at all needs prompt assessment.
Do I need to see a dentist too?
Sometimes. If grinding, bite problems or a splint are part of the picture, dental assessment helps. We will tell you when that referral makes sense.