Jaw Locking or Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Jaw locking occurs when the jaw becomes stuck or difficult to open or close. This may happen suddenly or develop gradually over time, and is often related to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. See our TMJ / Jaw Pain page for a broader overview.
Symptoms
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- The jaw becoming stuck temporarily
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Clicking or popping before locking
These symptoms may occur intermittently or become more persistent over time.
Is Jaw Locking Serious?
Jaw locking can feel concerning, but in most cases it can be treated effectively with physiotherapy. Early treatment can help prevent symptoms becoming more persistent.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Treatment aims to restore normal jaw movement and reduce strain on the joint. This may include TMJ joint mobilisation, treatment of surrounding muscles, jaw movement exercises and posture correction.
Book a TMJ Assessment
When booking, select “Initial Physiotherapy Appointment”.
