The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, and when it stops moving well it can drive a surprising range of problems: jaw pain and clicking, recurring tension headaches, facial and neck tightness, earache-like symptoms, and disrupted sleep. Most people get treated for the symptom rather than the joint, which is why the pain keeps coming back. Our TMJ therapy is different. Susan has treated jaw and facial pain for years, combining hands-on soft-tissue work, both outside and, where appropriate, inside the mouth, with an assessment of your posture, breathing and how you hold your head and neck. The goal is to settle the muscles that are overworking, restore normal movement to the joint, and deal with the habits driving it, so the relief actually lasts.
Usually a mix of things: clenching or grinding your teeth (often stress-related), poor posture through the head and neck, an injury or dental work, or long-term habits like chewing on one side. The joint and the muscles around it get overworked and stop moving smoothly, which is what produces the pain, clicking and headaches.
Most tmj therapy bookings are available within the week. We work with Aviva, VHI, Laya and Irish Life Health. Sandymount clinic, Dublin 4.
