Understanding TMJ: What It Is, How It Affects You & How This Treatment Can Help
If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, tension, or unexplained headaches, your TMJ may be playing a bigger role than you realise. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint — the small but incredibly active hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. You use it all day long for chewing, talking, yawning, and expressing emotion. Because it works so hard, it’s also an easy place for tension and stress to settle.
Many of my clients are surprised to learn that jaw discomfort isn’t “just jaw discomfort.” It can affect the entire upper body — your head, neck, shoulders, even how you breathe and sleep.
What Are TMJ-Related Symptoms?
TMJ dysfunction can show up in many different ways. You may experience:
Jaw pain, tightness, clicking, or locking
Headaches or migraines
Teeth grinding or clenching (especially at night)
Neck or shoulder tension
Earaches, ringing in the ears, or facial discomfort
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
Stress or anxiety that shows up as jaw tension
This is just to name a few…You don’t need a diagnosis to seek help — if something doesn’t feel right, or you know you carry tension in your jaw or upper body, TMJ therapy may bring relief.
What Does TMJ Treatment Involve?
I approach TMJ therapy holistically, focusing on the body as a whole rather than treating one isolated area.
Your session may include:
Specialised external jaw massage
Gentle intra-oral work (inside the mouth, using gloves with your consent - sounds weird I know but everyone I have treated says its the strangest yet best part)
Neck, shoulder, and upper back massage
Advanced soft tissue techniques
Relaxation and release work to encourage the whole body to let go
This whole-body approach is key — the jaw is deeply connected to the neck, shoulders, posture, and emotional stress. When those areas soften, the jaw can finally start to release too.
How TMJ Therapy Has Already Helped My Clients
Since adding this training to my practice, many of my clients have already experienced:
Reduced jaw tightness and pain
Fewer headaches and migraines
Better sleep and less grinding/clenching
Improved jaw movement and comfort when eating or talking
Relief from stubborn neck and shoulder tension
A noticeable sense of calm and deep relaxation
Some clients didn’t even realise how much tension they were holding until it was released. Others have described the treatment as “life-changing” after years of discomfort.
Every person is different, but supporting clients through their TMJ journey has already shown just how powerful this treatment can be.
If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone
Whether you’ve been clenching without realising, experiencing nagging headaches, or living with jaw tension for a while, TMJ therapy could be a supportive, effective solution.
If you’d like to find out more or book a session, I’m here to help you feel more comfortable, balanced, and at ease in your body. Interested? Why not try a session? - Appointments now live on via our booking system.