Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy: How Physiotherapy Helps Reduce Stiffness & Restore Comfort

Radiotherapy is a powerful treatment for many head and neck cancers, but it often leaves patients with long-term side effects — the most common being jaw pain and stiffness after radiotherapy, known clinically as trismus.

At Uniphysio & Associates in Oakville–Mississauga, our TMJ physiotherapy program is designed to gently restore mobility, reduce pain, and help you feel more like yourself again. Our TMJ specialist, Elaine Ruz, provides safe, targeted care for post-radiation patients.

Why Does Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy Happen?

Many patients develop jaw pain after radiotherapy because radiation can affect:

• The TMJ joint itself

• Surrounding muscles

• Soft tissues

• Nerves and lymph nodes

• Neck and throat structures

After radiation, tissues can become:

• Tight

• Fibrotic

• Less elastic

• Painful to move

• Sensitive to pressure

These changes often lead to limited mouth opening, pain while chewing, and persistent stiffness.

Common Symptoms of Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy

You may experience:

• Tightness or difficulty opening your mouth

• Pain when chewing, talking, or yawning

• Clicking or popping in the jaw

• Jaw shifting while opening

• Neck stiffness and swallowing discomfort

• Facial muscle tension

• Headaches or ear pressure

If any of these sound familiar, targeted physiotherapy can provide significant relief.

How Physiotherapy Helps Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy

At Uniphysio, we use gentle, specialized techniques tailored for post-radiation tissues that may be sensitive or fibrotic.

1. TMJ Mobilization for Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy

Controlled, safe joint techniques help:

• Improve mouth opening

• Reduce stiffness

• Enhance smooth jaw movement

• Decrease pressure on surrounding structures

  
  

2. Soft Tissue Release for Radiation-Induced Tightness

Radiation often creates dense, tight bands of muscle or fascia.

We safely treat:

• Masseter & temporalis

• SCM, scaleni, upper traps

• Suprahyoid & infrahyoid muscles

• Internal pterygoids

This helps reduce discomfort and improve mobility.

3. Targeted Exercises for Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy

A personalized home program may include:

• Mouth opening exercises

• Controlled jaw glides

• Stretching for tight tissues

• Strengthening weak muscles

• Posture and breathing training

These exercises help restore balance and function.

4. Neck & Postural Physiotherapy

Because radiotherapy often affects the neck, we address:

• Cervical mobility

• Shoulder mechanics

• Postural alignment

• Breathing techniques

Improving these areas directly supports TMJ function.

5. Bio Flex Laser Therapy

For patients who can safely receive it, Bio Flex Laser:

• Reduces inflammation

• Softens fibrosis

• Improves circulation

• Supports tissue healing

• Helps restore mobility

It is gentle, non-invasive, and well tolerated.

Is It Safe to Treat Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy With Physiotherapy?

Yes — when performed by a trained TMJ physiotherapist experienced with oncology-related conditions.

At Uniphysio, we carefully assess:

• Tissue sensitivity

• Stage of healing

• Lymphatic involvement

• Scar tissue

• Pain patterns

• Jaw and neck mobility

Your plan is personalized and always safe.

Expected Improvements for Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy

Most patients notice changes within 2–4 sessions, including:

• Better mouth opening

• Less stiff jaw movement

• Reduced pain

• Easier chewing and speaking

• Improved neck mobility

• Overall better quality of life

Long-term consistency leads to long-lasting results.

When to Seek Help for Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy

Book an assessment if you notice:

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Increased chewing or talking pain

• Facial or neck tightness

• Clicking, shifting, or locking

• Pain lasting more than 2 weeks

Early treatment prevents symptoms from worsening.

Get Expert Care for Jaw Pain After Radiotherapy in Oakville–Mississauga

Jaw pain and stiffness after radiotherapy can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Uniphysio & Associates, we provide gentle, personalized TMJ physiotherapy that supports healing, restores comfort, and helps you return to daily activities with confidence.

BOOK ONLINE

                                                                 Or Call Us today!

(905) 997-1677