Symptoms
Jaw & TMJ pain
Pain in the jaw joint, ear or temple with chewing or clenching — often myofascial rather than purely articular.
Overview
Most temporomandibular disorders have a significant myofascial component. The masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid and SCM all refer pain in the jaw and ear region. Targeted manual therapy and dry needling on these muscles often outperforms passive interventions.
Clinical notes
Assess jaw range, lateral excursions, palpate masseter (extra- and intraoral when trained) and SCM. Screen for bruxism.
Red flags — when to refer
Locked jaw, acute trauma, neurological signs of trigeminal involvement, suspected infection — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Fernández-de-las-Peñas — Temporomandibular Disorders