TMJ Physiotherapy
Is jaw pain stopping you from living a normal life?
Does this describe you?
- Are you suffering jaw pain or tenderness?
- Do you have difficulty or discomfort while chewing?
- Have you got clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw?
- Do you have limited range of motion opening your mouth?
- Do you suffer facial pain or headaches, particularly around the temples or ears?
- Is locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth?
At Wandsworth physiotherapy and osteopathy our highly experienced TMJ physiotherapists treat people just like you and help them get back to what they love doing without further jaw pain.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders refers to a range of conditions affecting the TMJ itself, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This disorder can cause discomfort, pain and limitations in jaw movement. This can impact daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even sleeping.
Anatomy of the TMJ
The temporomandibular joint is a complex structure comprised of the jawbone (mandible), temporal bone of the skull, and a disc that cushions the joint. Muscles surrounding the joint, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, play a crucial role in jaw movement and stability.
The TMJ functions through a combination of hinge and sliding motions, allowing for the opening, closing, and side-to-side movements of the jaw. The coordinated action of muscles, ligaments, and the joint itself enables smooth and pain-free jaw function.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can arise from various factors, including:
Trauma
Direct impact to the jaw, such as from a fall or blow, can damage the TMJ and surrounding structures.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Persistent clenching or grinding of teeth, often during sleep, can exert excessive pressure on the TMJ, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the joint. It can also lead to hypertrophy of the muscles of mastication – predominantly the masseter muscle. This becomes enlarged and painful.
Misalignment of the Neck, Teeth or Jaw
An abnormal bite or jaw alignment can strain the TMJ, causing pain and dysfunction. As can stiff and dysfunction in the cervical vertebra. The neck should usually also be assessed when you have jaw pain.
Stress
Tension and stress can contribute to jaw clenching and muscle tightness, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.
Arthritis
Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, leading to inflammation, pain and stiffness.
Ready to Make a Change?
At Wandsworth Physiotherapy & Osteopathy we're focused on getting you out of pain and back to what you love doing, from simply sitting comfortably to playing with your kids, getting back into the gym or being able to run 5k again, our expert Physiotherapists, Podiatrists & Osteopaths are here to help!
All appointments are secured with payment. All appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the start time or not attended will not be refunded.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Symptoms of TMJ disorder may vary from person to person but commonly include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw
- Limited range of motion in the jaw
- Facial pain or headaches, particularly around the temples or ears
- Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
Treatment Options for TMJ disorders
Treatment for TMJ disorder aims to alleviate symptoms, improve jaw function, and address underlying causes. Here are some common treatment modalities:
Self-Care Measures
Simple self-care techniques can often provide relief from mild TMJ symptoms. These may include applying ice packs to the jaw, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and avoiding hard or chewy foods.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorder. In some cases, muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to reduce muscle tension and stress.
Physical Therapy for TMJ disorders
A physiotherapist can design a personalised exercise program to strengthen jaw muscles, improve range of motion, and promote relaxation. Manual therapy techniques such as massage, acupuncture and joint mobilisation may also be utilised to alleviate pain and stiffness.
Botox injections for TMJ pain
This is a muscle relaxant that can be injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles to relax them for a period of a few months. This will decrease their strength and can take pressure out of the TMJ allowing the pain to settle down.
Dental Treatments
If your TMJ disorder is related to dental issues such as misalignment or bruxism, your dentist may recommend treatments such as orthodontic work, occlusal splints (mouth guards), or dental restorations to correct bite abnormalities and reduce jaw strain.
Book your initial consultation so we can help reduce your jaw pain today…
Meet The Team
Andreas
Senior Osteopath and Massage Therapist
Practice Manager
Christina
Senior Chartered Physiotherapist
Clinical Administrator & Receptionist
Jack
Senior Podiatrist
Advanced Senior Chartered Physiotherapist
Kitti
Clinical Administrator & Receptionist
Melinda
Clinical Administrator & Receptionist
Chartered Physiotherapist
Rogel
Chartered Physiotherapist
Shreya
Senior Chartered Physiotherapist
Steve
Clinical Lead Chartered Physiotherapist
Clinical Administrator & Receptionist
Get In Touch
Request a call back - tell us about your problem… if you’re not sure what physiotherapy or osteopathy are and whether they can help your problem request a call back from one of our expert therapists.
We can listen to your problem and let you know if we can help... just leave your details using the contact form and we'll be in touch as soon as possible!
Please note: Enquiries are checked daily and will be responded to within 24 hours during clinic open hours.
Cancellation Policy
Please note we have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Please respect our therapists and give them more than 24 hours notice if you need to change or cancel an appointment. All appointments are secured with payment. All appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the start time or not attended will not be refunded. Failure to make payment on request will affect future appointments that we are able to offer you.
Thank you.
Telephone Reception
We have reception cover most of the time we are open, however if you can't get through it's quick and easy to book online. Please be aware that calls to Wandsworth Physiotherapy & Osteopathy are recorded to comply with ICO data protection and the recordings are stored for 3 months then deleted. All stored information is password protected.
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:00 - 21:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 21:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 21:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 21:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 20:30 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 15:00 |
No reception cover on Sundays - please book online, the door may be locked so ring the bell.
Annie NeillRogel referred me to a consultant before treating me as he wanted to rule out a frozen shoulder before he started physiotherapy. His suspicion of my having a frozen shoulder was correct. This allowed me to get the correct diagnosis and corresponding treatment done quickly and efficiently.
Sophie DoleckiI can't recommend this place and Physio Shreya enough! 10 weeks go I got referred to Wandsworth Physiotherapy by a friend after I was suffering with chronic neck and back pain. Shreya immediately found the cause, diagnosed me, and assured me of what the next steps would be. Not only does Shreya have healing hands, she continuously helped me mentally. After all of the advice, exercises, and dry needling, I am now pain free and able to return to my everyday activities (including exercise). Thank you Shreya, you are incredible!
Andreea CraciunThis place is great! I got here with a really bad pain in my shoulder and neck and I got better really fast. I got treated by Shreya, who is AMAZING. Really good therapist, doing a mix of techniques to relieve pain, and also really empathetic. She id also specialised in sports, which means she was able to advise on how I can continue my regular workouts, despite my pain. I am always looking forward to my sessions here and I can see great progress with my injury. 10/10 would recommend!
Emma MorganChristina has been treating some issues with my neck, back and shoulders for 18 months now and she is the best physiotherapist I’ve ever had. She is a miracle worker with massage but also educates me about posture, injury prevention and the best forms of exercise and injury care. She is A-MAZING.
Anne-Sophie HouédéI've had about 8 sessions at Wandsworth Physiotherapy. Rogel did an amazing job and has been able to help me with the tendinopathy I've had for about 2 years! He created a plan especially for my own goal. I've had shockwave therapy, some exercises to do and advices on the sport I could do and when. Great place!
Kelly HamerRogel, your customer service is amazing! You took time to listen and understand issues. The treatment and exercises you provided were beneficial and helped me to continue exercising and compete at Hyrox. Thank you!
Daniel MaraffiWas booked in with Rogel for a shoulder injury that has been a long term problem impacting my ability to do sport. Over 5 sessions I have seen significant improvement and have been given the tools to continue to get stronger. Hoping to book in with him again for a knee injury as well. Great guy and super knowledgeable!
Chris StoreyReally friendly, knowledgeable staff - would definitely recommend!
Leanne YatesFantastic experience and can't recommend more! Rogel has been excellent and provided expert care.
Becks PagePrarthi has been absolutely fantastic at helping me to recover from a shoulder injury over the last few months. My pain had dramatically reduced after the first session and she has continued to help throughout. She is extremely knowledgeable and has really helped me to understand the mechanics of my injury. I cannot recommend her enough! Thanks so much :)