Common signs
- Pain in the jaw, face, temple or in front of the ear, often worse in the morning
- Clicking or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully, jaw that deviates or locks
- Headaches around the temples, sometimes neck or shoulder pain
- A blocked-ear feeling or pain near the ear
- Pain that worsens when chewing or under stress
When to see a doctor
- Jaw locked wide open and impossible to close: emergency
- Unable to eat or drink
- Frequent, severe headaches, or pain at the side of the head or scalp
- Vision problems, such as double vision or loss of sight
- Joint that is red, hot and swollen, or a fever
- Pain that started after a blow to the head or face
What physiotherapy does
Physiotherapy helps ease the pain, relax the jaw muscles and restore normal mouth opening. The physiotherapist teaches jaw exercises to do yourself, gives advice on posture and on using heat or cold, and may use manual techniques. Doing the home exercises is part of the care.
Sources
- Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (new tab)NHS (National Health Service, United Kingdom), accessed November 9, 2026
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) (new tab)MSD / Merck Manuals Consumer Version, accessed November 9, 2026
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain: physiotherapy management (new tab)Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, accessed November 9, 2026
Page reviewed on November 9, 2026
This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.