TMD/TMJ (Jaw) Pain — How Calgary Physiotherapy Can Help

Do you experience jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing? You’re not

alone. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) affects up to 25% of the population and can

significantly impact daily life (Okeson, 2013).

At our Calgary physiotherapy clinic on MacLeod Trail, we specialize in helping patients find

relief from jaw dysfunction and related symptoms through expert, hands-on care.

What Is TMJ Dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to talk,

chew, and yawn. Dysfunction occurs when this joint or surrounding muscles and tissues become:

• Inflamed

• Overloaded

• Misaligned

• Tight or painful

Common Symptoms of TMJ Issues

• Clicking, popping, or locking jaw

• Pain when chewing or yawning

• Headaches (especially near temples)

• Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)

• Limited jaw opening or deviation

• Facial tension or neck tightness

Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

1. Clenching or Grinding (Bruxism)

Often related to stress or poor sleep, this overworks the jaw muscles (Manfredini et al., 2010).

2. Neck or Postural Issues

Forward head posture affects jaw mechanics and increases strain (La Touche et al., 2008).

3. Jaw Misalignment or Bite Problems

Uneven bite or dental issues may alter jaw tracking.

4. Trauma or Overuse

Injury to the face, whiplash, or excessive gum chewing can trigger symptoms.

5. Arthritis or Joint Degeneration

Inflammatory or degenerative changes within the TMJ itself.

How Physiotherapy Helps TMJ Pain in Calgary

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We evaluate:

• TMJ range of motion and deviation

• Palpation of jaw muscles (masseter, pterygoid, temporalis)

• Cervical spine posture and mobility

• Breathing and stress levels

2. Manual Therapy & Muscle Release

Gentle techniques improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tone. Internal techniques (with

consent) may target deeper jaw muscles.

3. Postural Retraining

Improving neck and upper back posture helps reduce strain on the jaw.

4. Exercise Therapy

• Controlled jaw opening/closing drills

• Isometric jaw exercises

• Tongue posture and breathing retraining

5. Stress & Habits Management

We offer strategies to reduce clenching, improve sleep, and support relaxation.

6. Collaboration With Dentists

We work closely with dentists and oral health professionals for splint therapy or further

investigation if needed.

What You Can Do at Home

• Avoid hard foods, gum, or wide yawns

• Apply heat to jaw and temple areas

• Practice relaxed jaw posture (“lips together, teeth apart”)

• Reduce stress and screen time

• Keep tongue on the roof of the mouth when resting

Why Choose Us for TMJ Physiotherapy in Calgary?

We offer dedicated TMJ physiotherapy at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, serving patients

from Haysboro, Acadia, Kingsland, and Fairview. Our expert therapists use a holistic,

evidence-based approach to treat the cause—not just the symptoms.

Book a TMJ Assessment Today

Don’t let jaw pain affect your daily life. Book a consultation with our Calgary physiotherapists

and discover how we can help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Bibliography

 La Touche, R., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Fernández-Carnero, J., Cuenca-Martínez, F.,

& Paris-Alemany, A. (2008). The influence of head and neck posture on the mandibular

range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation,

35(4), 273–282. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2007.01845.x

 Manfredini, D., Winocur, E., Ahlberg, J., Guarda-Nardini, L., & Lobbezoo, F. (2010).

Psychosocial factors are associated with bruxism: A meta-analysis. Journal of Oral

Rehabilitation, 38(11), 802–812. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02192.x

 Okeson, J. P. (2013). Management of temporomandibular disorders and occlusion (7th

ed.). Mosby/Elsevier.