Peak MSK Physiotherapy

Only half of all TMD/TMJ cases come from the muscles. Yet pressing on the muscle to reproduce the same pain is a large part of its diagnosis.

That can miss other things. Such as whether you can actually sense where your jaw is, whether your nervous system has become oversensitised, or whether long-term facial pain has started to change how you engage in facial expressions with others. These all use muscles and are documented effects of chronic facial pain.

So my co-author and I searched six databases and screened over 300 studies published between 2022 and 2025, and built a five category system clinicians can use with tools they already have:

1️⃣ Normal Muscle — no muscular involvement, look elsewhere (often dental) 2️⃣ Muscular Pain — local discomfort and reproducible 3️⃣ Muscular Pain with Somatosensory Change — altered sensation and awareness of jaw position 4️⃣ Widespread Muscular Pain and Dysregulated Motor Control — pain at rest, spreading of pain, neck involvement, often stress and sleep tied in 5️⃣ Orofacial Somatosensory Distortion — the brain's map of the face itself has become distorted

What this means practically: someone in Category 2 may respond well to hands-on therapy, while someone in Category 5 may need a broader approach. Knowing which category you're in can help your clinician fine-tune your treatment.

This is a proposed classification, not yet formally validated, but it's already how we assess muscle related jaw pain in clinic across Cheltenham, Southbank and Hobart. We are always thinking.

Jaw pain, facial pain, or headaches linked to jaw muscle tension? Get in touch to book an assessment.

A day of physio work in Hobart is done...a nice view of a lovely city.
, with great people.

Dizziness is one of those symptoms that means something different for everyone. It might feel like the room is spinning, like you're about to faint, or like you're just slightly disconnected from your surroundings, and each of those can point to a very different cause.

That's what makes it hard to know who to see, and whether it's worth getting checked at all.

In our latest article, physiotherapist Isabelle covers the different types of dizziness, what causes them, and when physiotherapy is the right next step. Including the red flag symptoms that mean you should seek care immediately.

Worth a read if you've been putting up with dizzy spells and aren't sure what to do about them.

📖 Read the full article here: https://peakmsk.com.au/understanding-dizziness-when-to-seek-physiotherapy-treatment/

Your body's been asking for this. 🙌

For today, we're offering 50% off Remedial Massage at Peak MSK — but we only have 2 appointments remaining.

✅Expert remedial massage therapists
✅Cheltenham's leading physio & massage clinic
✅No referral needed

Don't miss out — spots like this don't last.

📞Call us: (03) 9533 5305

✨June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month ✨

Have you been told that your migraine is "just a headache" and "it'll go away on its own"? Ever felt there was no way to soothe the pain? 💭⚡
Headache disorders affect more people than you think, and physiotherapy can help treat it!✅💪

Physiotherapy can play a key role in managing migraines and headaches through manual therapy, identifying triggers, and addressing underlying contributors ☺️🧘

At Peak MSK Physio, we assess underlying musculoskeletal and vestibular factors that may be driving your symptoms. 🌟

🤩Focusing on long-term relief — it’s more than "just a headache", it's your entire health.

📌Book in for a custom physio plan today!
Want to know more? Check out the LINK IN BIO or call 03 9533 5305 📞☎️

At Peak MSK Physio, we believe great patient care goes beyond the clinic walls. 🦷💪

Yesterday, our Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Jayce was in Hobart presenting at the ADA TAS Demystifying TMD Management day — a full day of lectures and hands-on workshops alongside Mr Ankit Garg (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon) and Dr Anita Lim (Oral Medicine Specialist). 🙌

🧑‍🏫📋The day focused on helping general dentists feel more confident diagnosing and managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — and knowing when to refer to physiotherapy, oral medicine, or surgery. 🤩🎯

This is what multidisciplinary healthcare looks like in practice. When physiotherapists, surgeons, and specialists teach and work together, patients get better, more connected care.🥳🙌

If you're experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or headaches that may be related to TMD, our team is here to help. 💪😄

🏥 We're Hiring! | Part-Time Physiotherapist – Cheltenham

Peak MSK Physio in Cheltenham is looking for a motivated Physiotherapist to join our team — with the potential to grow your own caseload!

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a well-established private practice with a strong referral network and a varied musculoskeletal caseload. We prioritise quality and compassionate care. This means time to reflect, reason clinically, and genuinely connect with your patients. We have an active PD programme.

📋 The Role:
• Part-time | 16–24 hrs/week
• On-site | Cheltenham, VIC 3192
• Hourly rate + superannuation + bonus mechanism

✅ What you'll be doing:
• Treating general, sports and musculoskeletal conditions
• Managing and co-managing complex presentations
• Delivering exercise-based rehabilitation
• Building meaningful patient and referrer relationships
• Work with a Specialist MSK Physiotherapist

🎓 What we're looking for:
• Minimum 1-2 years clinical experience
• Full AHPRA registration
• Professional indemnity insurance & CPR certification
• APA membership
• Strong communication and organisational skills

If you're passionate about MSK physiotherapy and want to work somewhere that truly values clinical excellence, we'd love to hear from you!

📩Apply via the link or DM us directly. Learn more about us at peakmsk.com.au

Peak MSK Physio is an equal opportunity employer — we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. 🌏

NEW BLOG ALERT ⚠️‼️

To finish off April and welcome May, we've launched a new blog focusing on why your shoulder may not be feeling its best🚀💪
This one is a must read for gym enthusiast's! 🏋️‍♀️
And it's a great read for anyone looking to increase their shoulder strength, with plenty of tips included 🙌

Click the link here to read👉 https://peakmsk.com.au/5-common-training-mistakes-that-can-irritate-your-shoulder/

If you want to go beyond the blog and see a physio for your shoulder, book in today!
📞 Call 03 9533 5305
or head to our website to book online 🛜

Isabelle Stokie now consults for Peak MSK Physio at Melbourne Oral Medicine Centre. She is delighted to be working across our city and looks forward to offering our patients even more comprehensive care at both our Southbank and Cheltenham locations. 🤗
Contact our Cheltenham rooms to book your appointment with Isabelle.
📞03 9533 5305
📍Melbourne Oral Medicine Centre