Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Treatments (TMJ & Jaw Pain Physio)
Are you experiencing jaw pain, clicking, locking, or discomfort when chewing or talking? Maybe you’re dealing with a condition involving the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), a complex joint that plays a vital role in your daily function and wellbeing.
Book with Sadhbh (pronounced “Sive”) at Rehab Co Thorndon, our experienced physiotherapist who provides evidence-based temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments. We’re here to help you regain comfort and develop long-term strategies through targeted assessment and therapy.
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull, just in front of your ears. It allows you to talk, chew, yawn, and move your jaw in multiple directions. When this joint becomes irritated or dysfunctional, it can cause a variety of symptoms that may require a TMJ specialist in Wellington, such as:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
Jaw locking or a limited range of movement
Headaches or facial pain
Pain when chewing or speaking
Referred pain to the neck, ear, or shoulders
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
How We Treat TMJ & Jaw Pain at Rehab Co Thorndon
We take a holistic, multimodal approach to jaw pain and TMJ physiotherapy near you.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Your treatment begins with an in-depth assessment of your jaw, neck, and upper back to identify muscular imbalances, joint stiffness, postural influences, and other contributing factors.
2. Hands-On Treatment
Depending on the findings, your physiotherapist may use a combination of techniques, including:
Soft tissue massage or trigger point therapy
TMJ mobilisation techniques
Dry needling
Postural correction strategies
These treatments aim to reduce pain, restore movement, and ease tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
3. Tailored Rehabilitation Plan
For long-term relief, exercise therapy is essential. Your TMJ specialist in Wellington will provide you with a customised exercise program that addresses the root cause of your jaw pain, improves muscle control, and prevents recurrence.
Why Choose Rehab Co for Your TMJ Pain in Wellington?
Specialised physiotherapist experienced in TMJ and facial pain treatment.
One-on-one, personalised care in a calm and supportive environment.
Convenient location in Thorndon, Wellington.
Collaborative approach with your dentist, GP, or specialist as needed.
Call 0800 734 2226 for further information, or easily book temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments with Sadhbh via the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The number of sessions depends on the severity of your TMJ dysfunction, how long you’ve experienced symptoms, and your individual response to treatment. Some patients see improvement with 3-4 sessions, while more complex cases may require ongoing care over several weeks or months.
During your initial consultation for TMJ physiotherapy near you, Sadhbh will assess your condition and provide a clear treatment plan with an estimated timeframe. We’ll track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
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Your first appointment is a comprehensive, hour-long consultation during which we take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and how jaw pain affects your daily life. We'll thoroughly assess your jaw, neck, and upper back to identify the root cause of your discomfort.
Following this assessment, we'll explain our findings and begin hands-on treatment during your first session, which could include soft tissue massage, TMJ mobilisation, and other tailored techniques.
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ACC may cover temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments if your jaw pain or TMJ issues resulted from an accident or specific injury. In these cases, you can access subsidised physiotherapy sessions without needing a GP referral.
If your TMJ dysfunction has developed gradually due to factors like teeth grinding, stress, or postural issues, it typically won’t be covered by ACC. If you’re unsure whether ACC will cover your condition, we’ll happily help determine your eligibility.
Recover, Restore, Rebuild with TMJ Physiotherapy Near You
If jaw pain is affecting your daily life, don't wait. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues and help you get back to feeling your best.
Book an appointment today with Sadhbh (pronounced "Sive"), our TMJ specialist in Wellington, and take the first step towards getting back to your best, or talk to us about rehabilitation physiotherapy and podiatry services.
