"I started at Better Health Osteopathy 3 weeks ago. Sam, on reception was exceptionally helpful, even calling one of the osteopath's out to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease. Ella, the osteopath assigned to me is amazing. I would totally recommend her and the practice."
What's behind it
What's contributing to your jaw pain?
Jaw pain is rarely caused by one thing. We'll identify what's contributing to your pain, what's slowing your recovery and what needs to change to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
- 01 Teeth clenching or grinding, especially during sleep or stressful periods
- 02 Jaw muscle overuse from chewing gum, hard foods, or long dental appointments
- 03 Forward-head posture from prolonged desk or screen time
- 04 Neck and upper-back stiffness increasing load on your jaw muscles
- 05 Irritation or inflammation in the TMJ joint itself
- 06 Stress and poor sleep driving clenching and elevated muscle tone
The sooner you understand what is driving your jaw pain, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a jaw pain consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most jaw pain can be successfully treated. During your assessment, we'll identify what's contributing to your pain, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of it returning.
What we assess
- Jaw movement, symmetry, clicking and locking patterns, muscle tenderness
- Neck and upper-back mobility (a common contributor)
- Posture habits and screen or desk setup
- Breathing patterns and tension drivers (stress, load)
- Clenching or grinding history and likely triggers
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to ease jaw and neck muscle tension, reduce joint irritation, and calm acute symptoms.
Restore movement and strength
Improve jaw mobility, retrain movement patterns, and reduce the overload habits that keep symptoms cycling.
Reduce future flare-ups
Clenching awareness, sleep and stress strategies, and a posture and workstation plan to keep the load manageable.
Your care team
Meet your care team
Every osteopath at Better Health Osteopathy is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and follows the same evidence-informed approach to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. This page is clinically reviewed by Lorraine Herity, Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath.
Experienced osteopaths you can trust
Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised rehabilitation plan. We work as one team to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
- Over 60,000 consultations
- Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
- Registered OCNZ osteopaths
- ACC accredited
- Same-day appointments often available
What patients say
Real stories from Christchurch patients
There is no better measure of our care than the experiences of the people we have helped. Here is what Christchurch patients say about their recovery.
"I’ve been seeing Lorraine for several years now and she is nothing short of a miracle worker. No matter what I walk in with - aches, pains or something that just feels “off” - she always knows exactly what to do and somehow gets my body back on track every single time. Beyond her incredible skill and knowledge, Lorraine is an absolute delight. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about her clients. You never feel rushed - she takes the time to listen, understand and treat the root of the problem. As both the clinic owner and manager, it’s clear she pours her heart into Better Health Osteopathy and it shows in every aspect of the experience. If you’re looking for someone you can truly trust with your body, Lorraine is the one. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
"Such an awesome clinic. Fixed me every time and helps me to feel stronger and healthier as a result. Couldn’t recommend more. They are worth their weight in gold."
"Highly recommend. I have been seeing Lorraine at BHO for multiple years now including visits for both of my children as newborns. So handy to now have a second location on Colombo street! Beautiful, clean clinic and the staff are friendly as always. Overall a great experience and well worth it in my opinion."
What to expect
What to expect at your first appointment
Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain your options, and help you take the next step towards recovery.
30 minutes
Time to listen, assess and answer your questions.
Bring
Comfortable clothing, any scans, and your ACC details if it is an injury.
You will leave knowing
A clear understanding of what is causing your pain and your personalised recovery plan.
No referral needed
Book directly. We will take care of your ACC claim if needed.
The questions we'll answer
- What's causing my pain?
- Why did it happen?
- Why isn't it getting better?
- Is anything else contributing?
- What's the best path to recovery?
We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.
New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .
Book your visit
Ready to get back to the life you love?
We will help you understand what is causing your pain and create a personalised plan to help you recover.
Frequently asked
FAQs about tmj & jaw pain
What does an osteopath do for TMJ pain?
Is clicking in the jaw always a problem?
Can TMJ cause headaches or ear symptoms?
Do I need a night guard?
What should I avoid during a flare-up?
Is TMJ treatment gentle?
Start today
What you can do at home right now
Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.
"Lips together, teeth apart" check-ins
Train your jaw to rest without clenching.
Avoid constant chewing
Limit gum, hard foods, and long chewing sessions during flare-ups.
Heat and gentle massage
A warm pack to the jaw and temples and light massage can reduce muscle tone.
Nasal breathing and down-regulation
Slow breathing helps reduce jaw and neck tension, especially when stress is a driver.
Some signs need same-day attention
These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.
If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.
- Jaw pain after significant trauma, suspected fracture or dislocation
- Sudden inability to open or close the mouth
- Severe swelling, fever, or signs of infection
- Rapidly worsening symptoms or persistent locking that is not improving
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
TMJ & jaw pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
Tradies & manual workers
Hands-on care for tradies and manual workers. Help with back, knee, shoulder, and wrist strain so you can keep working without recurring flare-ups.
Pregnancy
Gentle, pregnancy-safe osteopathic care for every trimester. Ease back, pelvic, hip, and rib pain so you can move and rest comfortably.










