Clicking, locking, aching or clenching? Anna van Piggelen looks at how your jaw actually moves, and what is driving the problem, so you can eat, talk and sleep comfortably again.
A specialist in head, neck, and TMJ issues, integrating traditional osteopathy with Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.
A whole-body practitioner combining manual therapy with Pilates techniques and ultrasound to enhance mobility and manage degenerative pain.
A versatile practitioner for all ages, offering both structural treatment and specialised Cranial Osteopathy for babies and adults.
Anna is a Registered Osteopath and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. Her interest is personal as well as professional: she underwent palate expansion and myofunctional therapy herself after problems linked to longstanding childhood oral habits, so she knows what a structured programme asks of you.
Your jaw clicks or pops when you eat or yawn
It catches, locks or will not open fully
Aching in the jaw, cheek or temples
Waking with a stiff, tired jaw
Clenching or grinding, awake or asleep
Headaches that seem to start at the temples
Neck tension that comes with the jaw pain
Pressure or fullness around the ear
You may already have seen a dentist or GP and still not know why it keeps happening. A painless click is very common and is not automatically a problem. It becomes worth assessing when it comes with pain, locking, limited opening or trouble chewing.
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) sit just in front of your ears, where the lower jaw meets the skull. They are among the most used joints in the body: every time you talk, chew, yawn or swallow, both joints and the chewing muscles (the masseter and temporalis) have to work together.
‘TMJ’ is the joint. ‘TMD’, temporomandibular disorder, is the umbrella term for problems with the joint, the jaw muscles or both. You will see both used here because both are what people search for. There is rarely a single cause, which is why two people with the same pain can need very different treatment.
Awake or asleep, it overloads the jaw muscles. Tooth wear or sensitivity means a dentist should check too.
if your jaw already moves a long way, forcing it further is the wrong answer.
Because Anna is also a myofunctional therapist she checks these where relevant. They do not explain every case
Gum chewing, nail biting and other repetitive jaw habits.
A blow to the face or head, or long spells with the mouth open. Dental treatment does not automatically cause TMD, so Anna takes a careful history rather than assuming.
The temporalis muscle covers the side of your head, so TMD can be linked to temple headaches. New, severe or unusual headaches always need medical assessment.
Pain can be felt in the cheek or temple rather than over the joint, so Anna works out whether it is joint, muscle or both.
Jaw and neck problems often travel together. Anna assesses both without assuming one causes the other.
The joint sits right in front of the ear, so earache, pressure or fullness can go with TMD. Persistent or unexplained ear symptoms should also be checked by your GP, dentist or ENT.
Anna takes the time to listen to your concerns and understand your health history, then looks for the root causes, not just the sore spot. She starts with your story: when it began, where it hurts, clicking or locking, morning stiffness, clenching, previous dental work or injury, headaches, neck and ear symptoms. She then checks how far and how evenly your jaw opens, how it tracks, and which movements bring on symptoms, plus the muscles of the jaw, face and neck. With your consent, where relevant, that can include the inside of the mouth. If tongue posture, swallowing or lip posture look relevant, she checks those too.
There is no fixed number of sessions. Every plan is a personalised one, built around your findings and your lifestyle. Anna reviews your progress as you go, and if things are not changing as expected she will rethink the approach and talk through referral or further tests.
Friendly and professional and most of all…effective! I had a really comprehensive assessment with Francesca who helped with a range of postpartum pelvis and back issues. I was given a variety of different exercises to do at home and after just a couple of weeks I’ve noticed a huge improvement. Thanks Francesca and Anna.
Lucy IngI contacted Anna at a time of urgent need and she was able to see me very quickly. She is professional and friendly. Not only did she help with the immediate issue, she also gave me a set of preventative exercises to benefit me long term. I highly recommend her.
Julia BeresfordAnna recently treated me for tennis elbow and back pain. I couldn’t be happier – both symptoms improved rapidly. On top of this, Anna gave me some helpful advice to prevent them from recurring. I was really impressed with the personable and professional service, and would recommend Anna to anyone
Elinor BorjessonAnna came highly recommended and I have not been disappointed. My back and hip problem have been resolved in a mere two very good sessions. Anna knows what she’s doing and has a very good way of comforting and putting you at ease. Will be returning for regular sessions. Highly recommend!
Jean Paul BroodbakkerAnna is a delightful and competent professional who gives first rate, comprehensive treatment at every visit. I went in as a “wonky donkey” and walked out feeling six foot tall with a normal gait in my first visit! I have given her practice details out to many of my friends. Also, her new treatment rooms are a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle – an excellent place for monthly maintenance.
Julia WishartAfter years of visiting chiropractors, I have decided to try osteopath services. Anna is very skilled and knowledgeable as well as warm and friendly. Each session improved my condition and I always left feeling pain-free. I would highly recommend Anna’s services.
Ania ProchonI went to see Anna with a severe lower back pain. She identified my problem and in a few sessions helped me to improve it. She really cares about what you are going through and gives you tips to get better and avoid injury in the future. Very professional and I couldn’t recommend her more highly!
Paola LopezAnna is a brilliant osteopath she has helped me with varioys limitations and helped improve my quality of life
Gabriel CiriloI have been seeing Anna for a few years now after struggling with migraines. She has not only helped me immensely but was the first person I’d seen to get to the root of the problem. Along with being a brilliant therapist, her advice and aftercare is invaluable. I can’t recommend the clinic highly enough
Gemma ShanleyGood jaw care means knowing when a problem needs something other than osteopathy. Anna will tell you, and refer you to a different practitioner where necessary.
Clicking can happen when movement of the small disc inside the joint changes as the jaw opens and closes. On its own it is common and not necessarily a sign of damage. If it comes with pain, locking or limited opening, get it assessed.
There are several possible reasons, including changes in joint movement, the disc and the surrounding muscles. Recurrent locking should be assessed, not assumed to be simple muscle tightness.
They are associated with jaw pain and put extra load on the chewing muscles. Grinding can also wear teeth, so see your dentist if you notice wear or sensitivity.
Sleep clenching or grinding may be part of it, along with muscle tension and other jaw factors. Anna looks at your morning symptoms alongside your wider history.
They can, particularly around the temples and in front of the ear. But headaches and ear symptoms have many causes, and new, severe or persistent symptoms need medical assessment.
Jaw and neck symptoms often coexist. Where it is relevant, Anna assesses both without assuming either causes the other.
Not necessarily, you can book directly. If your symptoms need dental investigation, Anna will say so. Significant tooth pain or dental damage should not wait for an osteopathic appointment.
There is no set number. Some cases are straightforward, others are longstanding or have several contributing factors. Anna reviews progress and discusses whether more treatment is worthwhile.