Discover the causes of TMJ and jaw pain and how osteopathy at Summit Osteo & Performance Ringwood can restore movement and relieve tension.
Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.
Jaw pain and clicking can make everyday activities like eating, talking, or yawning uncomfortable.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and is one of the most frequently used joints in the body — which means even small dysfunctions can cause significant discomfort.
At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, we help patients identify and treat the underlying causes of TMJ tension and pain to restore function and comfort.
TMJ dysfunction can develop gradually or after stress, trauma, or dental work.
Common contributing factors include:
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (often stress-related)
Poor posture or forward head position
Uneven bite mechanics
Previous injury to the jaw or face
Neck and shoulder tension
These issues often work together — jaw tension may worsen neck stiffness, and vice versa.
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
Pain or tightness in the jaw, cheeks, or temples
Headaches or ear pressure
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
Jaw deviation when talking or chewing
Early assessment can prevent minor jaw irritation from progressing to chronic pain or headaches.
Osteopathic treatment for TMJ issues focuses on improving how the jaw, neck, and upper spine move together.
Your osteopath may use:
Gentle soft-tissue release for jaw and neck muscles
Joint mobilisation of the TMJ and cervical spine
Breathing and relaxation strategies to reduce clenching
Postural retraining to relieve pressure on the jaw
Exercises may also be prescribed to help you regain smooth, balanced jaw movement.
You can help reduce jaw tension between appointments by:
Avoiding hard or chewy foods that strain the joint
Applying heat to the jaw and temples
Practising relaxed mouth posture (teeth slightly apart, tongue on roof of mouth)
Being mindful of clenching during stress or concentration
Small, consistent changes often make a big difference in symptom relief.
If jaw pain, clicking, or headaches persist beyond a few days, a professional assessment can identify the cause and prevent worsening.
Book an Appointment
or learn more on the TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatment in Ringwood page.
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✅ Internal Links
Neck Pain Treatment in Ringwood
TMJ and Jaw Pain Treatment in Ringwood
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath.
