The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a vital joint that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing essential movements such as chewing, speaking, yawning, and facial expression. It plays an important role in overall facial balance and alignment by coordinating the movement of the jaw and surrounding structures. TMJD (temporomandibular joint disorders or diseases) is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the TMJ, the surrounding muscles, and the mechanics of jaw movement. These disorders can interfere with how the jaw functions and may contribute to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, facial tension, and restricted movement.
I provide gentle, targeted care for TMJ health using a combination of intra-oral and extra-oral techniques. Treatments include trigger point therapy and fascial release, allowing precise work on the jaw and surrounding tissues. This approach helps support mobility, comfort, and overall jaw function.
Treatment is tailored to each client and is usually delivered over 3–6 sessions, depending on individual response. For long-term support, ongoing monthly maintenance is recommended to maintain healthy TMJ function and manage TMJD effectively.
My approach ensures that both the joint and associated muscles are treated holistically. By combining gentle, professional techniques with targeted therapies, TMJ and TMJD treatments aim to restore balance, improve movement, and support long-term facial wellbeing.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect one or both sides of the face. Because the jaw joint and surrounding muscles are closely connected to the head, neck, and ears, symptoms can be wide-ranging and sometimes unexpected.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, temples, neck, or shoulders
- Clicking, popping, grinding, or snapping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing, speaking, or yawning
- Limited jaw movement, jaw locking, or difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Jaw stiffness, muscle tightness, or fatigue in the face
- Frequent headaches, migraines, or facial pain
- Ear-related symptoms such as earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite changes)
- Increased sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)
- Twitching or spasms of the facial or eye muscles
- Difficulty sleeping or sleep disturbances, often due to pain, jaw tension, or nighttime clenching or grinding
Causes of TMJ disorders:
- Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), often occurring during sleep
- Chronic stress or anxiety, which can lead to increased jaw muscle tension
- Poor posture, particularly forward head posture, placing added strain on the jaw and neck
- Jaw injury or trauma to the face, head, or neck
- Whiplash or other neck injuries that disrupt normal joint and muscle function
- Bite misalignment, uneven teeth contact, or other dental problems
- Overuse of the jaw muscles from excessive chewing, gum chewing, or jaw clenching habits
- Arthritis or degenerative joint conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint
- Inflammation of the jaw muscles or surrounding tissues
- Displacement or dysfunction of the jaw joint disc
- Structural imbalances in the neck, shoulders, or upper spine that affect jaw mechanics
- Poor sleep habits or untreated sleep disorders that contribute to nighttime clenching or grinding
Prices
First Appointment: 20-minute assessment plus 90-minute treatment – £95
Follow-Up Appointment: 90-minute treatment – £85