If you answered yes to any of these, you may be dealing with TMJ dysfunction, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) physiotherapy can help relieve the tension, improve movement, and reduce pain over time.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, we provide customized care for individuals through TMJ Physiotherapy in Edmonton using hands-on techniques and movement strategies designed to restore jaw function and reduce stress on the joint.
TMJ dysfunction—short for temporomandibular joint dysfunction—occurs when the joint that links your jawbone to the side of your head isn’t working properly. This joint helps you to open your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn. When the joint becomes irritated, overused, or misaligned, it can lead to pain, tightness, or even restricted movement in the jaw and surrounding areas.
Common causes include:
Even if the joint itself isn’t damaged, nearby tissues can become strained, leading to temporomandibular disorders that affect your ability to function comfortably.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, we understand that TMJ dysfunction doesn’t just affect the jaw. The temporomandibular joint is closely connected to the muscles and structures of the face, neck, and upper back, so symptoms can show up in multiple areas and feel confusing or unrelated.
We work with people who experience a range of discomfort, from mild jaw irritation to long-term pain that affects eating, sleeping, or speaking. Here’s a closer look at what we commonly treat:
Discomfort while chewing, yawning, or talking is one of the most common signs of TMJ dysfunction. The muscles around the joint may feel tight or sore, especially after heavy use.
You might hear or feel a noise when opening or closing your mouth. These sounds come from the joint not moving smoothly, often due to muscle imbalance or joint compression.
In some cases, the jaw may get stuck partially open or closed. This can make eating or speaking difficult and is often caused by joint misalignment or disc displacement.
Muscles around the cheeks, temples, and jawline may feel firm or overworked. This is often the result of clenching or compensating for limited jaw movement.
TMJ dysfunction often leads to headaches that feel like pressure or pulling near the temples. These headaches are usually muscular in nature and can occur daily or during jaw use.
Because the jaw connects to your posture and neck position, pain can extend beyond the face, especially if the surrounding muscles are tight or misaligned.
Fullness in the ears, pain, or ringing (tinnitus) can happen when inflammation near the TMJ puts pressure on nearby structures. These symptoms often occur without an actual ear infection.
Unconscious jaw habits—like nighttime grinding or daytime clenching—can overwork the jaw muscles and worsen joint pressure. This is a common cause of TMJ dysfunction.
Forward head posture, poor sleep positions, or repetitive desk work can contribute to jaw tension and uneven bite forces, especially when combined with muscle fatigue.
Procedures that require prolonged mouth opening or bite adjustment can leave the TMJ inflamed or sensitive. Physiotherapy can help restore balance and reduce lingering symptoms.
If you’re noticing one or more of these symptoms, temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatment can help relieve tension and restore smoother jaw movement.
We work to relieve pressure and retrain muscle coordination so your jaw can work the way it should, without the constant tension or discomfort.
At West Henday Physical Therapy, our approach to treating TMJ dysfunction combines manual therapy, muscle retraining, and education—all based on your unique presentation.
Here’s how we help restore healthy jaw function:
We use precise, gentle techniques to improve motion within the jaw joint. This helps relieve locking, reduce joint clicking, and promote smooth movement during chewing or speaking.
For overactive or tight jaw muscles—like the masseter, temporalis, or pterygoid—we apply pressure both inside and outside the mouth (with gloves) to ease tension, break up adhesions, and restore tissue mobility.
Because jaw pain is often linked to cervical spine mechanics, we incorporate joint mobilization and soft tissue release for the neck and upper back to reduce referred tension.
We guide you through small, low-load exercises that retrain the coordination of jaw muscles, important for reducing strain during speaking or chewing.
Forward head posture and poor workplace setup can overload the TMJ. We teach you how to adjust your environment and movement patterns to protect your jaw and neck alignment.
We incorporate diaphragmatic breathing and muscle awareness to help reduce unconscious clenching, especially in people with stress-related jaw tension.
You’ll be shown self-massage techniques, movement breaks, and jaw relaxation cues you can use at home to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
TMJ physiotherapy can help people experiencing:
No matter how long you’ve been dealing with these symptoms, we’re here to support your comfort and function with clear, personalized care.
We understand that jaw pain can affect far more than just your mouth—it can impact your sleep, focus, and daily comfort.
When you visit us, you can expect:
We don’t offer temporary fixes—we help you build long-term relief through consistent, hands-on care.
Jaw tension and facial pain don’t have to become your normal. If you’re ready to restore balance, reduce pain, and improve jaw function, we’re here to help.
Book your assessment today for TMJ Physiotherapy in Edmonton at West Henday Physical Therapy.
© 2025 West Henday Physical Therapy – Developed by Linkbuffer Studios & Research Labs All rights reserved.