TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief in Canberra with Dry Needling & Acupuncture

If your jaw feels like it’s auditioning for the role of “world’s tightest hinge” — clicking, locking, aching, or just refusing to relax — you’re not alone. TMJ disorders and jaw pain affect thousands of people, and most treatments stop at mouthguards or painkillers. At The Body Lab Canberra, we take a whole-body approach to jaw pain, combining dry needling, acupuncture, and movement therapy to get your jaw (and you) moving freely again.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When it’s not happy, you’ll know about it:

  • Jaw clicking, locking, or popping

  • Pain when chewing or speaking

  • Headaches, earaches, or facial tension

  • Stiff neck, shoulders, or upper back

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism), especially at night

Sound familiar? Then yes, your TMJ may be the troublemaker.

Dry Needling for Jaw Pain

Dry needling targets tight, overworked muscles around the jaw, face, and neck — like the masseter, temporalis, and upper trapezius. By inserting fine, sterile needles into trigger points, we can:

  • Release stubborn muscle tension

  • Improve jaw movement (less clicking, more freedom)

  • Reduce pain quickly and effectively

  • Support posture and alignment

Think of it as pressing “reset” on muscles that have been stuck on high alert.

Acupuncture & Distal Points

Here’s where being an acupuncturist as well as a biomechanics specialist comes in handy. Beyond local muscle release, acupuncture allows us to use distal points — areas far from the jaw that influence tension, posture, and the nervous system.

Some of the most effective points for TMJ and jaw pain include:

  • LI4 (Hegu, hand) – powerful for facial pain and tension

  • SI3 & SI1 (Small Intestine channel, hand) – relieve jaw/neck tightness

  • GB34 & GB41 (leg/foot) – help muscle relaxation and posture

  • LU7 (wrist) – supports head and neck mobility

  • LIV3 (foot) – calms stress and nervous system overload

By combining local dry needling with these acupuncture points, we not only ease jaw tension but also help regulate the whole system — muscles, posture, and nervous system included.

Our Integrated Approach

At The Body Lab Canberra, TMJ treatment isn’t “one-and-done.” Here’s what a session usually looks like:

  1. Assessment – posture, jaw movement, spinal alignment

  2. Dry Needling – releasing tight jaw and neck muscles

  3. Acupuncture Distal Points – calming the nervous system & reducing referred tension

  4. Movement Therapy – spinal mobility and scapular drills to keep results lasting

  5. Home Care – simple exercises and self-release strategies for daily support

Why Choose The Body Lab?

  • The only Canberra clinic blending dry needling, acupuncture, and advanced movement therapy

  • Evidence-based care, explained in plain English (with a bit of humour)

  • Long-term solutions, not quick band-aids

  • Personalised treatment for your unique jaw, posture, and lifestyle

Book TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in Canberra

Jaw pain doesn’t need to run your life. Whether it’s TMJ dysfunction, teeth grinding, or facial tension, our combined approach with dry needling, acupuncture, and movement therapy can help restore comfort and freedom.

👉 Book your appointment today at The Body Lab Canberra and take the first step towards a pain-free, relaxed jaw.