Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

• Pain or tenderness near the jaw joint

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth

• Discomfort while chewing or speaking

• Headaches, ear pain, or neck stiffness

Goals of Physiotherapy

• Reduce jaw pain and muscle tension

• Restore normal range of motion of the TMJ

• Relax and strengthen jaw and neck muscles

• Improve daily activities such as chewing and speaking

Physiotherapy Treatments

1. Pain Relief Techniques

• Heat Therapy: Relaxes jaw muscles and improves blood flow

• TENS Therapy: Provides pain relief and muscle relaxation

• Soft Tissue Release: Releases tight jaw and neck muscles

2. Jaw Mobility and Stretching Exercises

• Controlled Mouth Opening: Improves jaw movement control

• Side-to-Side Jaw Movements: Enhances TMJ flexibility

• Jaw Stretching: Reduces muscle tightness

3. Strengthening and Stabilization Exercises

Once pain is under control:

• Isometric Jaw Exercises: Improve jaw stability

• Neck Strengthening: Provides cervical support

• Postural Exercises: Corrects head and neck alignment

4. Postural Correction and Ergonomic Advice

• Correcting forward head posture reduces TMJ stress

• Jaw relaxation techniques during mobile and computer use

5. Patient Education and Habit Correction

• Avoid teeth clenching and grinding habits

• Adopt a soft diet and improve chewing habits

Frequency and Duration

• Physiotherapy sessions 2–3 times per week

• Daily home exercises are essential for recovery

• Improvement in pain and jaw function can be seen in 4–8 weeks