Headaches & TMJ
Physiotherapy can play an important role in the assessment and treatment of headaches and jaw (TMJ) pain, particularly when symptoms are related to muscle tension, joint stiffness, posture, or neck dysfunction.
Common headache types that may respond well to physiotherapy include:
- Tension-type headaches which are often linked to tight neck, shoulder and jaw muscles
- Cervicogenic headaches which originate from the joints and muscles of the neck
- Jaw-related (TMJ) headaches where pain refers from the jaw joint or surrounding muscles
Following a thorough assessment, physiotherapy treatment may include hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisations to the neck and jaw, soft tissue releases, and muscle relaxation techniques. Treatment may also involve postural correction, jaw control exercises, neck strengthening, and strategies to reduce clenching or grinding.
For TMJ conditions, physiotherapy focuses on improving jaw movement, reducing joint and muscle pain, and restoring normal function through gentle joint mobilisation, muscle release, movement retraining, and education on jaw loading and habits.
By addressing the underlying causes of headache and TMJ symptoms, physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and help prevent symptoms from returning.