TMJ Physiotherapy and Migraine Management

TMJ Issues

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The jaw is made up of two joints where the lower jaw meets the skull just in front of the ears These are referred to as your temporomandibular joints.

TMD ( temporomandibular dysfunction) refers to a problem with one or both of these joints.

Jaw disorders are extremely common and can cause a number of symptoms from ear ache and headache to jaw pain and general face pain. You may also experience neck and/ or shoulder issues. Acute problems if left untreated can soon become chronic.

You may experience clicking or locking in the jaw with limitation of movement on opening/ closing or chewing or perhaps just a feeling that your bite isn’t quite right. TMD can also cause dizziness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and may affect your chewing and sleeping. Each individual will present with their own  symptoms specific to their problem.

Your Physiotherapist will initially take a full history and assess your jaw muscles and joints in order to work out the root cause of your symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Exercise therapy

• Manual treatment

• General advice

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Migraine Management

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While migraines originate in the nervous system, research shows that the muscles, joints, and nerves of the neck and upper back can influence migraine symptoms. Physiotherapy focuses on identifying and treating these physical contributors to help calm the nervous system and improve overall function.

Physiotherapy may help by:

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• Reducing neck and shoulder tension linked to migraine triggers

• Improving joint mobility in the neck and upper back

• Addressing posture and movement habits that overload sensitive tissues

• Improving tolerance to movement and physical activity

• Supporting better self-management between migraine episodes

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Migraine management is not about “quick fixes.” Our goal is to help you better understand your condition, reduce physical contributors, and build long-term strategies that support your quality of life. Treatment is always guided by your comfort level and symptom response.

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If migraines are impacting your life, physiotherapy may be a valuable part of your management plan. Book an appointment today to find out how a personalised physiotherapy approach can help you move with more confidence and fewer limitations.