Jaw clicking or popping
Audible clicks, pops, or grating when opening or closing the mouth.
TMJ dysfunction
Jaw pain, clicking, and headache: manual therapy that works.
About TMJ dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It often shows up as clicking, pain, restricted opening, headaches, or a feeling of the bite being off. Stress, sleep position, dental work, and posture all contribute — TMJ is rarely just a jaw problem.
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for TMD, and many patients are referred to us by their dentist after a clenching or grinding diagnosis. The work combines intra-oral and external techniques, jaw movement retraining, and addressing the neck and posture patterns that feed into the symptom.
Symptoms we see
Jaw pain with chewing
Aching or sharp pain around the joint while eating, especially tougher foods.
Limited jaw opening
Can't open as far as you used to — sometimes locks momentarily.
Tension headaches
Headaches at the temples, behind the eyes, or wrapping around the head — often clenching-driven.
Neck and shoulder tightness
Upper-trap and cervical tension that's reinforcing the jaw pattern.
Morning soreness
Jaw feels worn out on waking — a sign of nocturnal clenching or grinding.
How we approach treatment
Assessment includes both jaw and cervical spine — the two systems are tightly coupled. Treatment can include intra-oral work (with consent), external manual therapy, craniosacral techniques, jaw movement retraining, and coordination with your dentist\'s nightguard plan when one is in use. Most patients see meaningful change within 4 to 6 sessions.
How we treat it at Prestige
Common treatments we use for tmj dysfunction. Your therapist will pick what fits your case.
Common questions
How long until I feel better?
Most patients notice progress within 3 to 6 visits. Recovery timelines depend on the injury, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your home program. Your therapist sets clear milestones at your first visit so you know what to expect.Do you direct-bill my insurance?
Yes. We bill most major extended health insurers directly, as well as Motor Vehicle Accident claims and Workers’ Compensation. Bring your insurance details to your first appointment and we handle the paperwork.Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. Physiotherapy is a primary-care profession in Alberta, so you can book directly. Some insurance plans do ask for a referral, so we recommend checking with your provider before your first visit.What should I bring to my first visit?
Comfortable clothing you can move in (shorts or yoga pants work well for most assessments). Your insurance info, any imaging or specialist reports if you have them, and your questions.How many visits will I need?
It varies. A simple flare-up may resolve in 2 to 4 visits; chronic or post-surgical conditions can take longer. We track your progress visit-by-visit and adjust the plan to reach your goals as efficiently as we can.
Ready to feel better?
Book online in under 60 seconds, or give us a call.