TMJ Massage Therapy in Edmonton
Jaw pain is rarely only about the jaw. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is moved by muscles that connect to the skull, neck and shoulders, and tension through the upper back and base of the skull often feeds directly into the problem. TMJ massage therapy works with the jaw muscles alongside those surrounding areas, so treatment addresses the whole pattern rather than one sore spot.
What Does a TMJ Session Involve?
Assessment
Your session starts with a short assessment. Your therapist will ask when symptoms began, what makes them worse, and whether you clench or grind, and will watch how your jaw opens and closes.
Treatment
Treatment works the muscles that move and stabilise the jaw, including the masseter, the temporalis at the side of the head and the muscles under the jaw, along with the neck, the base of the skull, and the upper back and shoulders.
Intra-Oral Work
Treatment may include working the jaw muscles from inside the mouth with gloved hands. If your therapist is trained in it and judges it useful, they'll explain it first and only go ahead with your consent. It's always optional, and plenty of progress is possible without it.
Signs Your Jaw Might Benefit From Treatment
People book TMJ massage in Edmonton for:
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clicking, popping or locking when opening the mouth
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limited jaw opening, or a jaw that deviates to one side
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jaw pain that worsens through the day or after eating
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headaches at the temples or behind the eyes
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tension from clenching or grinding, especially at night
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ear fullness or ache with no ear problem found
Clenching, Grinding and Stress
A lot of jaw tension builds outside our awareness, through clenching while concentrating, during stressful periods, or while asleep. If you wear a night guard, keep wearing it; massage works alongside it rather than replacing it. Your therapist can also show you simple ways to notice and release jaw tension during the day.
If your symptoms began after a dental procedure, or your dentist has mentioned a bite problem, let us know. TMJ concerns often benefit from your dentist and therapist both being involved. If your jaw and neck pattern keeps returning, manual osteopathy may also be worth considering.
Who Provides TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment at Holistic Mobility is offered by Tia-Christina Martineau, Mitchell Anderson and Shiva Ferasat. You can choose your practitioner when you book online.
When to See Your Doctor or Dentist First
Please check in with a doctor or dentist before booking if your jaw is locked open or closed, you have significant swelling, your symptoms followed a blow to the face, or you have numbness in the face.
Is TMJ Treatment Covered?
TMJ treatment from a registered massage therapist is billed as massage therapy, so it's generally covered wherever your extended health plan includes massage therapy. See our direct billing guide for details.
Common Questions
Can massage help TMJ?
Massage therapy may ease the muscle tension that contributes to many jaw problems, reduce associated headaches, and improve how comfortably the jaw opens. It doesn't change the structure of the joint itself, so if your dentist suspects a structural problem, they should stay involved in your care.
Do I have to have intra-oral treatment?
No. It's always optional and only done with your consent. Many people get good results from external work on the jaw, neck and upper back alone.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people notice a difference within a few sessions. Longstanding clenching or grinding patterns usually take longer, and your therapist will suggest a plan after your first visit.
Can TMJ treatment help my headaches?
Tension headaches at the temples, or tension starting at the base of the skull, are often connected to jaw and neck tension. Treating those muscles together may help reduce how often headaches occur.
Book online and choose your practitioner for a TMJ session at our South Edmonton clinic inside Evolve Strength South Commons.