Relieve Jaw Tension With TMJ Treatments in Vancouver
Find relief from jaw pain, tension, and discomfort with an integrated approach to TMJ treatments.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and dysfunction.
How do I know if I have TMJ?
TMJ is often characterized by:
Jaw pain or tenderness
Clicking or popping sounds when opening/closing the mouth
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Headaches, earaches, or facial pain
Jaw locking or restricted movement
What causes TMJ?
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Unconscious jaw clenching or grinding, often during sleep
Postural Imbalances: Poor neck and head posture, especially from prolonged screen use
Stress & Muscle Tension: Chronic stress leading to jaw clenching and muscle tightness
Jaw Misalignment: Structural or bite issues affecting joint function
Integrated Approaches to TMJ Relief
Managing TMJ requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
Acupuncture for TMJ Pain Relief
Chronic jaw tension and teeth grinding (bruxism) can lead to headaches, neck pain, and TMJ dysfunction, often triggered by stress and poor posture. Acupuncture offers an effective solution by addressing both the muscular and neurological factors contributing to jaw clenching. Targeting overactive muscles like the masseter and temporalis, acupuncture helps release deep-seated tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain sensitivity. It also regulates the nervous system, dialing down the stress response that often drives clenching, whether during the day or while sleeping.
Research supports acupuncture’s role in reducing TMJ pain and improving jaw mobility, with many experiencing long-term relief after just a few sessions. When combined with postural corrections, stress management techniques, and targeted exercises, acupuncture provides a powerful, non-invasive approach to breaking the cycle of jaw tension and restoring natural jaw function.
TMJ Massage Therapy
The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is a joint that requires the stability to provide a strong force by way of biting, but also needs to be dextrous enough to support actions such as talking or singing. TMJ dysfunction, or TMD, is a condition that affects this joint with approximately 5-12% of the population experiencing it. This condition can present as minor as painless jaw “clicking” and as significant as migraines, ear pain, and in some cases dizziness and difficulty with speech.. Regardless of the severity of TMD symptoms, massage therapy can be an effective treatment option for managing it.
While some musculature that controls the TMJ can be accessed directly on the joint (think rubbing your cheeks or jaw), most musculature that directly controls the actions of the TMJ are best accessed by treatment inside the mouth. Massage therapists offering TMD treatments have taken supplemental training to work inside the mouth. Treatments for TMD by RMTs will aim to reduce tension in the neck, scalp, and jaw both outside and inside the mouth, with many patients noticing a marked difference after the first session.
In combination with tailored, preventative exercises and, in some cases, lifestyle changes, massage therapy is an effective and direct approach to improving jaw health.
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Explore Further Reading
Read the latest blogs on TMJ treatment, jaw health, and pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ
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TMJ disorder refers to dysfunction or pain in the temporomandibular joint—the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It can affect jaw movement and cause discomfort in the face, neck, and shoulders.
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Common symptoms include jaw pain or stiffness, clicking or popping when opening the mouth, difficulty chewing, headaches, earaches, or the jaw locking open or shut.
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TMJ pain can be caused by a variety of factors including teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, stress-related clenching, trauma to the jaw, or postural imbalances.
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Yes. Many people find relief with non-invasive treatments such as acupuncture, manual therapy, postural correction, and stress management.
These therapies can reduce inflammation, relax tight muscles, and restore jaw function.
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Every patient is different, but many people notice improvement within a few sessions. Long-term relief often depends on consistency and addressing underlying causes such as posture or stress.
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Yes. Stress often leads to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which can worsen TMJ symptoms. Mind-body therapies like craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, or breathwork can help manage stress and reduce tension in the jaw muscles.