Jaw pain, clicking, locking, and difficulty chewing are symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder — commonly known as TMJ or TMD. At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, we see TMJ patients regularly, and we understand how much this condition can affect your daily life. Eating, talking, yawning, and even sleeping can become painful when your jaw joint is not functioning properly.
Understanding TMJ / TMD
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face. It is one of the most complex joints in the body, combining hinge and sliding movements that allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn.
TMJ disorder (TMD) occurs when there is dysfunction in this joint, the surrounding muscles, or both. Common causes include teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), especially during sleep or periods of stress, jaw injury or trauma from a car accident or impact, arthritis in the jaw joint, disc displacement within the joint, chronic muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, and poor posture, particularly forward head posture from computer work.
Symptoms of TMD can include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or around the ear, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when opening or closing the mouth, the jaw locking in an open or closed position, headaches, neck pain, and earaches, and facial swelling on the affected side.
TMJ Treatment at Artemis Wellness Clinic
Our multidisciplinary approach is particularly effective for TMJ because this condition often involves multiple contributing factors — muscular tension, joint dysfunction, postural issues, and stress.
RMT Massage Therapy for TMJ
Our registered massage therapists are trained in specialized techniques for the jaw, head, and neck muscles. Treatment includes external massage of the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles that control jaw movement, intraoral massage techniques (with your consent) to release tension in muscles that cannot be accessed from outside, and treatment of associated neck and shoulder tension that contributes to jaw dysfunction.
Intraoral massage is one of the most effective treatments for TMJ. By working directly on the internal jaw muscles through the mouth, your RMT can release deep tension that external massage cannot fully reach. This technique requires specific training and is performed with gloves in a comfortable, professional setting.
Acupuncture for TMJ
Acupuncture offers excellent results for TMJ pain and dysfunction. Our Registered Acupuncturist, Mandy Tam, targets specific points around the jaw, face, and neck that reduce muscle spasm, decrease inflammation in the joint, and promote healing. Many patients report immediate reduction in jaw tension after their first acupuncture session.
From a TCM perspective, TMJ is often related to Liver Qi stagnation, which connects to stress and emotional tension. Treatment may address both the local jaw symptoms and the underlying energetic imbalance.
Physiotherapy for TMJ
Our physiotherapy approach to TMJ includes assessment of jaw mechanics, posture, and cervical spine function. Your physiotherapist can provide specific jaw exercises to improve mobility and coordination, postural correction for forward head posture (which directly affects jaw alignment), manual therapy for the cervical spine, and education on habits that worsen TMJ such as gum chewing, nail biting, and resting your chin on your hand.
Chiropractic Care for TMJ
The cervical spine and jaw joint are closely connected. Misalignment in the upper neck can directly affect jaw function and contribute to TMJ symptoms. Our chiropractor can assess and address cervical spine restrictions that may be contributing to your jaw pain.
The Connection Between TMJ, Neck Pain, and Headaches
TMJ rarely exists in isolation. Most of our TMJ patients also experience neck pain, tension headaches, or both. This is because the muscles of the jaw, head, and neck form an interconnected system. Tension in the jaw muscles pulls on the neck, and poor neck posture changes the resting position of the jaw. This is why treating TMJ effectively often requires addressing neck pain and headaches simultaneously — something our multidisciplinary team is uniquely equipped to do.
Read more about our approach to neck and back pain treatment in Richmond: https://artemiswellnessclinic.com/neck-back-pain-treatment-richmond-bc/
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, difficulty chewing, or your jaw locks open or closed, you may have TMD. A proper assessment by a healthcare practitioner can confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific cause.
Can stress cause TMJ problems?
Yes. Stress is one of the most common contributing factors to TMJ disorder. Stress leads to unconscious jaw clenching and teeth grinding, especially during sleep. Managing stress through acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques can significantly improve TMJ symptoms.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Many patients experience noticeable improvement within 3 to 6 sessions. A comprehensive treatment plan typically spans 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity and how long you have had the condition. Chronic TMJ cases that have been present for years may require longer treatment.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
RMT, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatment for TMJ are typically covered under extended health benefit plans. If your TMJ resulted from a car accident, treatment may be covered through your ICBC claim. We offer direct billing with most major insurance providers.
Should I see a dentist or a massage therapist for TMJ?
Both can help, and they address different aspects of the condition. A dentist can provide a night guard to protect against teeth grinding. RMT, acupuncture, and physiotherapy address the muscular tension, joint dysfunction, and postural factors that contribute to TMJ. Many patients benefit from both dental and manual therapy treatment simultaneously.
Book Your TMJ Assessment in Richmond
Do not let jaw pain control your life. Our team at Artemis Wellness Clinic can assess your TMJ condition and create a personalized treatment plan. We are located at 5911 Number 3 Rd #130, Richmond BC. Call 604-242-2233 or book online: https://artemis.janeapp.com/