TMJ Physiotherapy on the North Shore - Stop Jaw Clicking, Locking, and Headaches
If your jaw clicks when you eat, locks when you yawn, or gives you headaches that creep from your temples into your neck, you might be dealing with TMJ dysfunction. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull and it works hard every day for talking, chewing, and expressing emotion. When it is irritated, the effects can ripple through your face, head, and neck. The good news for North Shore locals is that TMJ physiotherapy can calm symptoms, restore smoother movement, and help you get back to pain free eating, speaking, and sleeping.
This guide explains what is going on, what a physio does for jaw pain, and why PhysioAction is a smart choice on the North Shore.
A man receiving TMJ Physiotherapy on the North Shore
TMJ dysfunction - what it is and how it feels
TMJ issues show up in different ways, but common signs include:
Clicking, popping, or catching with opening or chewing
Pain in front of the ear, in the jaw muscles, or along the cheek
Morning jaw stiffness or pain after clenching at night
Headaches, earache feelings, or a sense of fullness near the ear
Difficulty opening wide or a jaw that deviates to one side
Neck and upper shoulder tension that seems to feed the jaw
Triggers often include long dental appointments, periods of high stress, bruxism or clenching, poor sleep, a recent bite change, or long hours at a desk with forward head posture. Sometimes symptoms flare after a dental procedure or a minor knock to the jaw. In many cases, the jaw is not the only driver - the neck, upper back, breathing patterns, and habits like gum chewing can all play a part.
How TMJ physiotherapy helps
TMJ physiotherapy works by reducing pain, restoring normal joint mechanics, and retraining the muscles that control your jaw. At a high level, your plan will blend three pillars:
Settle pain and restore movement
Gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue release for the jaw, temple, and upper neck
Specific techniques to reduce guarding and improve disc mechanics where appropriate
Targeted heat or self release strategies so you can ease symptoms at home
Retrain muscle balance and control
Tongue position training and controlled opening to reduce overload on the joint
Isometric and then dynamic exercises for the jaw closing and opening muscles
Cervical and scapular control drills to support better head and jaw posture
Change the inputs that keep flaring the joint
Daytime habit coaching - relax the jaw, lips together teeth apart, nasal breathing
Sleep strategies to reduce clenching load and calm the nervous system
Workstation tweaks for screen height and head position
For a plain English overview of TMJ symptoms, self care, and when to seek help, see Healthify NZ on temporomandibular disorder.
What your first 3 sessions at PhysioAction look like
Session 1 - Map the drivers and calm the flare
We take a careful history of habits, stress, sleep, dental changes, and neck symptoms. We check jaw opening pattern, range, and tenderness points, plus the neck and upper back. Treatment focuses on pain relief and immediate movement wins, then you leave with two or three simple drills and habit cues.
Session 2 - Restore mechanics and start loading
We refine technique for controlled opening and tongue posture, introduce gentle isometrics, and address neck and shoulder contributors. If clenching is a big factor, we coach daytime awareness and night routines that reduce load.
Session 3 - Build resilience and stop recurrence
Exercises progress to functional chew and speak tasks, plus strength endurance for jaw and postural muscles. We lock in micro habits for work and home so results last - not just for this week, but long term.
Self management tips that actually help
Adopt the relaxed jaw position - lips together, teeth apart, tongue resting on the roof of your mouth
Switch to softer foods during a flare - then reintroduce chewier items gradually
Limit wide opens - no forced yawns or big bites while things are settling
Reduce gum chewing and nail biting - small habits add big load across a day
Use heat for tight muscles - 10 minutes to ease guarding before exercises
Check your screen and seat height - head stacked over shoulders, not poking forward
When to see a physio - and when to involve your dentist or GP
Book TMJ physio if you have persistent clicking, pain, or limited opening for more than a fortnight, or if headaches and ear discomfort keep recurring.
Loop in your dentist if you suspect significant bruxism, bite changes, cracked teeth, or you may benefit from a night guard.
See your GP promptly if pain is severe, there is fever, swelling, trauma, or new neurological symptoms.
At PhysioAction we collaborate with local dentists and GPs when needed so your plan stays joined up and efficient.
Why North Shore locals choose PhysioAction for TMJ care
Jaw and neck expertise
We treat TMJ problems every week and understand the neck and postural drivers that keep jaws sore. Expect hands on care plus targeted exercises you can actually stick with.Convenient clinics and hours
Milford - 193 Shakespeare Road offers early and after work appointments Monday to Friday for Shore residents. Parnell - inside Boxing Alley, 65 Parnell Rise has evening sessions on Mondays and Thursdays if you commute.Results you can feel and measure
Smoother and quieter opening, fewer headaches, better bite comfort, and improved sleep. We track your opening distance, pain levels, and function so progress is clear.Calm, practical coaching
We explain the why behind your plan and give you small habit levers that make a big difference across the day.
Take the pressure off your jaw
TMJ pain can be frustrating, but it is rarely a life sentence. With a tailored TMJ physiotherapy plan, most people reduce pain, restore comfortable opening, and stop the cycle of flare ups. If you are looking for TMJ physiotherapy on the North Shore, book with PhysioAction in Milford or choose an evening appointment in Parnell. One careful assessment, a clear plan, and a calmer, happier jaw.