Muscle overuse
clenching, grinding (bruxism), or habitual jaw tension
APA Credentialed
TMJ & Jaw Physiotherapy
Hervey Bay's only APA-credentialed TMJ physiotherapist.
Jaw pain is surprisingly common and often misunderstood. If you're experiencing clicking, popping, limited mouth opening, pain while chewing, or headaches that seem to radiate from your jaw, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The good news: physiotherapy can help.
At The Physio Don, Nathan McKeough holds APA accreditation in Temporomandibular Disorders — making him one of the few physiotherapists in the Fraser Coast region with formal training in this specialised area. He uses a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education to address the muscular, joint, and postural factors contributing to your symptoms.
Symptoms We Treat
Jaw clicking or popping
Pain when opening or closing the mouth
Limited mouth opening
Jaw locking (open or closed)
Pain while chewing or talking
Facial pain or tenderness
Headaches (especially temple or behind the eyes)
Ear pain or fullness without infection
Neck pain and stiffness
What Causes TMJ Problems?
Joint dysfunction
disc displacement, arthritis, or joint inflammation
Postural issues
forward head posture increases strain on jaw muscles
Trauma
direct impact to the jaw or whiplash injuries
Stress
emotional tension often manifests as jaw clenching
Dental issues
bite problems or missing teeth can alter jaw mechanics
Treatment Approach
Your treatment will typically include a combination of manual therapy (intra-oral and extra-oral techniques to release tight muscles and mobilise the joint), targeted exercises to strengthen jaw stabilisers, posture correction, and strategies to reduce clenching and grinding. We'll also coordinate with your dentist or specialist if needed.