TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief in Calgary
Jaw pain, clicking and clenching can make eating, talking and even sleeping uncomfortable. TMJ problems often come with headaches, earaches and neck tension, and they tend to flare when stress is high.
At Drift Acupuncture & Wellness in South West Calgary, we combine Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Massage Therapy to relax the jaw muscles, reduce pain and calm the stimulus that drives clenching and grinding.
Common TMJ & Jaw Concerns
We frequently see clients experiencing:
- Jaw pain or tightness, leading to headaches
- Clicking, popping or locking of the jaw
- Clenching or grinding (bruxism)
- Headaches at the temples and facial pain
- Ear pain or fullness, and neck tension
Our Approach
Our Calgary clinic treats the jaw along with the neck, shoulders and stress which drives tension patterns that cause tight jaw muscles, for relief that carries long after treatment.
1. Benefits
Acupuncture and massage therapy helps with TMJ by:
- Relaxing Jaw Muscles: Gentle needling of the masseter and temporalis muscles can release deep tension.
- Reducing Pain: Acupuncture helps reduce pain signals in the face and jaw.
- Lowering Stress: Treatments help the nervous system reduce sympathetic tone (fight or flight), reducing daytime and night-time clenching.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
In TCM, jaw tension is closely linked to the Gallbladder and Stomach channels, which run through the face and jaw.
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Stress and held-in frustration often show up as clenching and tight muscles.
- Restoring Flow: Treatment focuses on smoothing Liver Qi, clearing tension from the channels of the face and calming the mind.
During Your Treatment
Your practitioner will use a few local points around the jaw along with points on the hands and feet. Massage of the neck and jaw may be included.
Treatments at our Calgary clinic may incorporate:
- Acupuncture & Electro-Acupuncture
- Jaw, Neck & Shoulder Massage Therapy
- Facial Gua Sha
- Trigger Point Needling
- TCM Lifestyle Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help TMJ?
Acupuncture can reduce jaw pain and improve jaw movement for most individuals with TMJ disorders. We will provide an initial intake and assessment of your jaw at your first visit to ensure you are an adequete candidate for treatment.
Do you work with dentists?
Yes — acupuncture pairs well with night guards, TMJ botox or dental treatment. Let us know what your dentist has recommended so we can support you best.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone responds differently to treatment. Many clients start with weekly sessions for several weeks, then space them out as things improve. Your practitioner will recommend a plan after your initial assessment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and most people feel very little. It often is described as a dull ache, warmth or heaviness at the point that settles quickly. Many clients find sessions deeply relaxing.