Clicking can be from disc displacement or muscle imbalance. We focus on smooth, pain-free control. Clicking can reduce even when a small sound remains.
TMJ Chiropractor Shelley
Jaw pain, clicking, locking or headaches can point to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, often called TMJ or TMD. At Regenerate Chiropractic in Shelley, we assess the jaw, neck and bite mechanics, then build a plan to reduce pain, improve movement and prevent flare-ups.
What is TMJ dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to the skull and relies on smooth disc movement, muscular control and healthy joint alignment. TMJ dysfunction happens when these systems become irritated or overloaded, leading to pain, clicking, locking, stiffness, or headaches.
Common Symptoms
- Jaw pain with chewing, speaking or yawning
- Clicking, popping or grinding in the jaw
- Locking or limited opening
- Ear ache, fullness or ringing not caused by infection
- Headaches, facial pain or neck tightness
- Tooth clenching or grinding, especially at night
- Jaw deviation when opening or closing
Causes and Risk Factpors
- Teeth clenching or grinding during stress or sleep
- Postural overload through the neck and upper back
- Previous dental work or bite changes
- Direct trauma to the jaw or chin
- Arthritis or disc displacement
- Habits such as nail biting, gum chewing or mouth breathing
When to See a Chiropractor for Jaw Pain
Seek a professional assessment if jaw pain lasts more than one week, if your jaw locks, if you cannot open more than two finger widths, or if headaches and neck pain keep returning. Urgent dental or medical care is recommended for suspected fracture, infection, fever or sudden swelling.
Book online or call us on 0476 252 599. We will identify the underlying cause and guide you through a structured plan for recovery.
Our TMJ assessment
We take a whole-person view of TMJ problems. Your assessment includes:
- Detailed history, symptom triggers and habits
- Jaw range of motion and disc tracking
- Muscle tension and trigger points of the jaw, face and neck
- Cervical posture and movement
- Functional bite loading and breathing patterns
- Review of dental appliances or previous imaging where relevant
Learn more about our chiropractic approach and how we combine care with sports rehab when strength or mobility work is needed.
Why Choose Regenerate Chiropractic
We provide results-driven, personalised care focused on long-term spinal health and whole-body function.
- Evidence-informed, results-driven care for jaw, neck and headache conditions
- Functional rehabilitation focus to deliver lasting change, not just short-term relief
- ScoliCare certified and ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning to tailor graded loading safely
- Local Perth practice with a personal, one-to-one approach
You receive more than just a quick adjustment. You receive a clear plan to restore comfort, mobility and confidence.
Treatment Options We Use to Treat Jaw Pain
Your plan is tailored to your diagnosis and goals. It may include:
- Targeted joint mobilisation and gentle adjustments: Improves jaw and cervical mechanics where restricted.
- Soft tissue release: Hands-on techniques for masseter, temporalis, pterygoids and related muscles.
- Dry needling: Precise needling to reduce muscle overactivity and jaw tension. Learn more on our dry needling page.
- Jaw control and mobility drills: Controlled opening with tongue-to-palate cueing, lateral deviation control and isometric holds.
- Cervical posture and scapular training: Addresses neck load and forward head posture that drive TMJ overload.
- Habit and load management: Night-time bruxism strategies, chewing guidance, yawning control and stress management.
- Care coordination: We work with your dentist or GP if you need an occlusal splint, imaging or medical co-management.
Meet Our Shelley Team
Dr David Hewson
Dr David Hewson works in both Shelley and Pingelly. Seeing real results with my patient’s is what I am passionate about. Headaches, chronic low back pain and neck pain and tension are the key conditions that I love working with. Spending the time to accurately diagnose the problem and formulate a treatment plan that get’s a short and long-term result is key.
Using a range of treatments from manual adjusting, needling, and rehabilitation programs, my patients come from Canning Vale, Willetton, Leeming, Bull creek, Southern River, Harrisdale and Piara Waters and beyond.
At-home Jaw Exercises to Improve Sore Jaw
- Tongue-up controlled opening
Tip of tongue on the palate behind the front teeth. Open slowly without clicks. 10 reps. - Isometric jaw holds
Place two fingers on the chin and gently resist opening, closing and side-to-side. 5 seconds each, 5 reps. - Chin tuck against the wall
Light neck retraction to align head over shoulders. 8 to 10 reps.
Stop any drill that causes sharp pain or locking.
Find Our Clinic
FAQs
Is TMJ treatment safe?
Yes for most people. Techniques are gentle and always matched to your comfort and diagnosis.
Do you adjust the jaw?
We use gentle mobilisation and specific adjustments where appropriate, along with soft tissue release and control drills.
Do I need imaging?
Most TMJ cases do not need scans. If red flags or trauma are present, we can refer.
Can stress make TMJ worse?
Yes. Stress often increases clenching. We include strategies to reduce overnight load and daytime tension.