TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in South Yarra

Jaw pain, clicking, or tightness can often be traced back to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the small but complex joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When the TMJ isn’t moving properly, it can cause pain when chewing, yawning, or speaking, and may even contribute to headaches, neck stiffness, and facial tension.

At Osteopathic Movement, our South Yarra osteopaths take a detailed approach to assessing jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction. We look at how your jaw, neck, posture, and even breathing patterns interact to identify the source of tension and develop a plan for relief.

Common Causes of TMJ & Jaw Pain

TMJ pain can stem from a range of structural, muscular, or behavioural factors, including:

  • Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)

  • Stress or tension causing jaw muscle overuse

  • Postural strain from prolonged desk or screen use

  • Dental procedures or orthodontic changes

  • Trauma or imbalance in the jaw joint

  • Habitual chewing or gum use

  • Neck and upper back tightness affecting jaw movement

Symptoms can include jaw clicking or locking, facial pain, ear pressure, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully. If these symptoms sound familiar, you can book an appointment online today for a detailed TMJ assessment.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathic treatment for TMJ dysfunction focuses on improving joint movement, reducing muscle tension, and restoring normal coordination between the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Our goal is to relieve pain and restore comfort with everyday activities like chewing or speaking.

Treatment may include:

  • Gentle intra-oral and external jaw techniques – to ease muscle tension and joint restriction

  • Soft tissue massage – to reduce tightness in the jaw, neck, and upper back

  • Joint mobilisation – to restore balanced movement through the TMJ and cervical spine

  • Myofascial release – to improve circulation and reduce trigger points

  • Postural and stress-management advice – to prevent muscle overuse and recurrence

We work gently and progressively to ensure comfort throughout the treatment process.

Individualised Exercise Rehabilitation

To support long-term improvement, we design individualised exercise rehabilitation programs that focus on improving jaw control, neck strength, and postural awareness. These programs help reduce tension and prevent recurrence by retraining movement patterns and muscle coordination.

Your program may include:

  • Jaw mobility and relaxation exercises to restore smooth movement

  • Neck and shoulder strengthening to support posture and reduce strain

  • Breathing and tongue-position training to improve function and relaxation

  • Home stretches and self-release techniques for ongoing symptom control

We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your program fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

Begin Your Recovery

Our goal is to relieve pain, improve jaw movement, and help you feel more comfortable and confident in daily life.

Book an Appointment