The Modern Myo

If you’ve ever felt a dull ache near your jaw, heard a click when you yawn, or struggled to chew your favourite meal, you might be dealing with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction. It’s more common than you think—and thankfully, it’s something myotherapy can help with.

What Is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s what allows you to talk, chew, yawn, and express yourself. But when this joint — or the muscles around it — aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Common & Overlooked Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or yawning
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw joint
• Locking of the jaw — either open or closed
• Headaches or migraines, especially around the temples or behind the eyes
• Ear-related symptoms: earaches, tinnitus (ringing), or a feeling of fullness
• Facial pain or fatigue, especially in the cheeks or around the eyes
• Neck and shoulder tension or pain
• Toothaches or sensitivity without dental causes
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden change in bite alignment
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Eye pain or pressure
• Upper back discomfort due to postural compensation
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers (from nerve tension related to posture)
• A tired or heavy feeling in the jaw after talking or eating

These symptoms can be sneaky and often misattributed to other issues like sinus problems, dental concerns, or even stress alone.

TMJ dysfunction can be caused by stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), poor posture, trauma, or even hormonal factors. It’s often a mix of muscular and joint-related issues.

How Myotherapy Can Help

As a myotherapist, I focus on the muscles and soft tissues that contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Here’s how treatment can make a difference:

• Trigger Point Therapy: Releasing tight spots in the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles (like the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids) to reduce pain and referred symptoms.
• Dry Needling: Targeting deep muscle tension to relieve chronic tightness and improve mobility.
• Postural Correction: Addressing forward head posture and upper body imbalances that put strain on the jaw.
• Intraoral Techniques: Gentle manual therapy inside the mouth (with gloves, of course!) to release deep jaw muscles.
• Education & Self-Care: Teaching you how to manage stress, avoid aggravating habits (like nail-biting or clenching), and perform simple jaw exercises at home.

Why It Matters

TMJ dysfunction doesn’t just affect your jaw — it can impact your sleep, mood, digestion, and overall quality of life. Myotherapy offers a holistic, non-invasive approach that treats the root cause, not just the symptoms.

If you’re nodding along (carefully, of course), and wondering if your jaw tension is more than just a passing annoyance, it might be time to book in. Your jaw deserves to move freely — without the clicks, clunks, or clenches.