Your jaw does more work than you probably realise — talking, chewing, yawning, swallowing. When it's working well, you don't think about it. But when something goes wrong with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the symptoms can be surprisingly disruptive.

Common TMJ Symptoms

Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially near the ear
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
Limited mouth opening or a jaw that gets "stuck"
Pain while chewing or talking
Headaches, especially around the temples or behind the eyes
Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears (without infection)
Neck pain and stiffness

When to See a Physiotherapist

If you've had jaw symptoms for more than a week, or if they're interfering with eating, talking, or sleeping, it's worth getting assessed. Many people wait months or even years, thinking the problem will resolve on its own — but early intervention leads to faster, more complete recovery.

At The Physio Don, Nathan McKeough is one of the few physiotherapists in the Fraser Coast region with APA accreditation in Temporomandibular Disorders. This specialised training means he can accurately assess your jaw mechanics, identify the muscular and postural contributors to your symptoms, and provide targeted treatment.

What Does TMJ Physiotherapy Involve?

Manual therapy — gentle mobilisation of the jaw joint and release of tight muscles (both outside and inside the mouth)
Exercise prescription — specific exercises to strengthen jaw stabilisers and improve range of motion
Posture correction — forward head posture is a major contributor to TMJ problems
Education — strategies to reduce clenching, grinding, and other habits that aggravate the jaw

Do I Need a Referral?

No — you can book directly with us. However, if your dentist has diagnosed you with a TMJ disorder or recommended physiotherapy, please bring any relevant reports or referrals.