Chiropractor · TMJ & Jaw Pain · North Strathfield

Matthew
Hayward.

Jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction and the conditions connected to it. I treat the joint, the muscles, the cervical spine and the neurological drivers — the parts that are most often missed. Comprehensive assessment. Treatment starts same day. No referral needed.

  • AHPRA registered chiropractor
  • Member ANZAOP & AAOP
  • Same-week appointments
Book a Consultation → My Approach
AHPRA ANZAOP AAOP
Registered & recognised memberships
AHPRA Registered Chiropractor Member, ANZAOP Member, AAOP Clinical Interest · TMJ Disorders & Orofacial Pain High-Level Laser Therapy Dry Needling & Myofascial Release Neurological Rehabilitation North Strathfield · Sydney No Referral Needed AHPRA Registered Chiropractor Member, ANZAOP Member, AAOP Clinical Interest · TMJ Disorders & Orofacial Pain High-Level Laser Therapy Dry Needling & Myofascial Release Neurological Rehabilitation North Strathfield · Sydney No Referral Needed
350+
TMJ patients helped at Continuum
10+
Years of clinical experience
3
Assessment layers in every consultation
1
Appointment to diagnosis and first treatment
Why patients come to me

If you've been told to live with jaw pain —
I'd like a second look.

Most TMJ patients I see have already tried multiple treatments without lasting relief. The reason is almost always the same: the assessment hasn't gone deep enough. Jaw pain rarely lives in isolation — and I treat the full picture.

Does this sound familiar?

You've tried the splint.
Still hurting.

You've had jaw pain for months — maybe years. Your dentist noticed you were grinding and fitted a splint. It helped a little, but the headaches are still there. Someone suggested physio, or a specialist referral that had a three-month wait. You've taken ibuprofen more times than you'd like to admit.

You've been told it might be stress. To try to relax your jaw. To come back if it gets worse. But it hasn't gotten better — and you're starting to wonder if it ever will.

This is the story I hear most often. And in almost every case, what's been missing isn't effort or the right attitude — it's a thorough enough assessment. The jaw doesn't operate in isolation. The upper cervical spine, the vestibular system and the neurological drivers all play a role — and they deserve equal attention.

That's what I do differently.
Conditions & Treatments

What I treat & how

I focus on TMJ dysfunction and the conditions that travel with it — using a protocol built around high-level laser therapy, dry needling, myofascial release and neurological rehabilitation. Every treatment plan is specific to your assessment.

01
TMJ Dysfunction (TMD)
Comprehensive orthopedic, neurological and functional assessment of the jaw joint. I treat clicking, locking, restricted opening, disc displacement and pain — addressing the joint, the muscles and the cervical spine together in a single appointment.
Core focus
02
Headaches & Migraines
The trigeminal nerve and upper cervical nerves share a pain-processing nucleus in the brainstem — making jaw dysfunction a frequent and overlooked driver of chronic headaches. I identify and treat the source, not just the symptom.
Common connection
03
Neck & Cervical Spine
The upper cervical spine is intimately connected to TMJ function. I treat neck stiffness, nerve irritation, forward head posture and whiplash alongside the jaw — because they're usually part of the same pattern.
Structural
04
High-Level Laser Therapy
State-of-the-art photobiomodulation that penetrates deep tissue to reduce inflammation and accelerate cellular repair — delivering measurable pain relief in as little as five minutes. A core part of my TMD protocol.
Treatment method
05
Dry Needling & Myofascial Release
Precise intramuscular needling of the masseter, pterygoids and temporalis — releasing trigger points that drive jaw pain and headaches. Combined with hands-on myofascial work through the jaw and cervical complex.
Treatment method
06
Neurological Rehabilitation
Vestibular dysfunction, proprioceptive errors and central sensitisation are commonly missed contributors to TMD — and I find them in the majority of my patients. Neurological rehab retrains the patterns that structural treatment alone can't resolve.
Often missed
Understanding TMJ

What is TMJ dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull — one on each side of your face. When this joint or the surrounding muscles aren't working properly, it's called temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).

TMD is more common than most people realise, and its effects extend well beyond the jaw. Because the TMJ sits close to major nerves, muscles and the upper cervical spine, dysfunction here can trigger a cascade of symptoms throughout the head, face and neck.

Common symptoms
Jaw clicking or popping Difficulty opening mouth Headaches & migraines Facial pain or pressure Earache or tinnitus Neck & shoulder tension Teeth grinding (bruxism) Dizziness or brain fog
My treatment protocol — a modern, evidence-based approach to jaw pain
  • 01 — Joint & Muscle Assessment
    I've developed a specific TMD protocol combining high-level laser therapy, dry needling, myofascial release and neurological rehabilitation — targeting the joint, the muscles and the neurological drivers that standard jaw treatments routinely miss.
  • 02 — Neurological Findings
    I find vestibular dysfunction and myofascial weakness in the majority of my TMD patients — findings that go undiagnosed elsewhere, and that are key to unlocking real, lasting recovery.
  • 03 — Coordinated Care
    I work closely with TMD-experienced dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ENT practitioners and GPs — providing immediate access to specialist-level care when referral is indicated. Your practitioners talk to each other.
Matthew Hayward
Chiropractor · TMJ Chiro
AHPRA Chiro Board of Australia
ANZAOP Aust & NZ Orofacial Pain
AAOP American Academy Orofacial Pain
About Me

The clinician
behind the domain.

I'm Matthew Hayward — a chiropractor practising within Continuum Health & Performance at North Strathfield, Sydney, with a specific clinical interest in TMJ disorders, orofacial pain and the cervical and neurological conditions that travel with them.

TMJ Chiro is the name of my focused jaw and craniofacial chiropractic practice — where patients come specifically for in-depth assessment and treatment of jaw dysfunction, often after other avenues haven't delivered the results they were hoping for.

TMD is rarely just a jaw problem. The cervical spine, the vestibular system and the nervous system are almost always part of the picture — and they deserve as much attention as the joint.

My approach is informed by my membership of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain (ANZAOP) and the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) — two of the leading professional bodies in the field. These connections keep my clinical knowledge current and allow me to work at the intersection of chiropractic, orofacial pain and neurological rehabilitation.

Have you been told you'll have to live with jaw pain? I'd like to reassess that. Many patients who've tried other approaches find that a comprehensive, connected assessment changes what's possible.

Chiropractic Board of Australia registered (AHPRA)
Member, Australian & New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain (ANZAOP)
Member, American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP)
Clinical interest in TMJ disorders and orofacial pain
Allied Health provider — eligible for private health rebates
What to Expect

Your path to relief.

01
First contact
Comprehensive History
I map your symptoms, timeline, previous treatments and everything that has and hasn't worked — the full picture, not just the jaw. Your goals become my goals.
02
Appointment 1
Three-Layer Assessment
Orthopedic testing of the joint and muscles. Neurological assessment of vestibular and proprioceptive function. Functional testing under movement load. All in a single one-hour appointment.
03
Same day
Treatment Starts Now
You receive your diagnosis and your first treatment in appointment one — laser therapy, dry needling, myofascial release and joint mobilisation, matched to exactly what your assessment reveals.
04
Ongoing
Your Personalised Plan
No two people present the same way. You leave with a clear care plan, awareness of what's driving your symptoms, and a direct line to specialist referral when it's indicated.
Get in Touch

Book your consultation

Book directly using the online scheduler — appointments are confirmed instantly. Or call or email if you'd prefer to chat first. I'm closed Wednesdays.

Phone0421 151 778
Emailhello@continuumclinic.com.au
LocationShop 3B/9 George Street
North Strathfield NSW 2137
Clinic Hours
Monday8:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday8:00am – 7:00pm
WednesdayClosed
Thursday8:00am – 8:00pm
Friday8:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday7:00am – 1:30pm

Select an appointment time below — powered by Cliniko. No referral needed.

Send me a message and I'll get back to you within one business day. For urgent matters, call 0421 151 778.

No referral needed. I welcome self-referrals.

Common Questions

Questions I get asked a lot.

If something isn't answered here, feel free to send me a message — I'm happy to answer before you commit to an appointment.

Yes — chiropractors with postgraduate training in orofacial pain can assess and treat TMJ dysfunction. My training through ANZAOP and AAOP gives me a clinical framework that covers the joint, the cervical spine, and the neurological system. That's a broader assessment than most patients have received. I work within my scope and refer on when a case needs dental, surgical, or specialist input.
No referral is needed. You can book directly through this website or by emailing me. If you've already seen a dentist, physio, or specialist and have reports or imaging, bring those along — they help me understand what's already been tried and what's been ruled out.
Most private health insurance policies with extras cover include chiropractic. The rebate you receive will depend on your specific policy and level of cover. I'd recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment, or calling the front desk at Continuum and we can help clarify. Medicare does not typically cover chiropractic consultations.
This is the most common situation I see. Most patients who find their way to me have already tried splints, physio, dental treatment, or specialist referrals. The difference in my approach is the depth of the assessment — specifically, that I look at vestibular function, proprioception, and neurological drivers alongside the joint and muscles. These are frequently the missing piece, and they're almost never assessed in standard jaw treatment.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the joint itself. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the clinical term for dysfunction or pain involving that joint and the surrounding structures. People often use "TMJ" colloquially to mean the condition, but technically the disorder is TMD. Both terms get used interchangeably in everyday conversation, and either will be understood in a consultation.
This varies considerably depending on how long you've had symptoms, what's driving them, and how your body responds to treatment. I'll give you an honest estimate after your first appointment. Some patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–4 sessions; others with longer-standing or more complex presentations may need a longer course. I review progress regularly and adjust the plan accordingly.
Most patients find the assessment and treatment comfortable. Some techniques — particularly intraoral myofascial release or working directly on tender muscle attachments — may produce mild temporary discomfort, which I'd always flag beforehand. I adjust technique based on your tolerance. Post-treatment soreness, if it occurs, typically settles within 24–48 hours.