Symptoms
TMJ clicking & limited opening
Clicking, deviation and limited mouth opening often improve when masticatory muscle trigger points are addressed.
Overview
TMJ noise and limited opening are common findings with mixed clinical significance. When pain or dysfunction is present, the masseter, temporalis and medial/lateral pterygoids are often the primary myofascial drivers, and addressing them can normalize opening and reduce noise.
Clinical notes
Measure inter-incisal opening, observe deviation, palpate masseter and temporalis. Coordinate with a dentist when occlusion or splint therapy is relevant.
Red flags — when to refer
Acute locked jaw, trauma, suspected infection — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Fernández-de-las-Peñas — Temporomandibular Disorders