Jaw tension rarely stays in the jaw. Clenching, grinding, stress, and long days at a desk or behind the wheel can leave the muscles of the jaw, face, temples, neck, and shoulders tight and irritated — sometimes showing up as jaw soreness, tension headaches, or that constant urge to stretch your jaw. TMJ massage therapy targets these muscle groups directly with focused, hands-on techniques. At Flex Physio & Wellness, registered massage therapist Courtney Romancewicz has a special focus on TMJ treatment and loves helping clients find relief from jaw and facial tension. TMJ massage can stand on its own or work alongside TMJ physiotherapy as part of a team approach to jaw pain.
Focused work on the masseter, temporalis, and surrounding jaw muscles helps release the tightness that builds up from clenching, grinding, and stress.
Headaches around the temples and forehead are often connected to tight jaw and facial muscles. Releasing these muscle groups may reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Daytime clenching and nighttime grinding (bruxism) keep jaw muscles working overtime. Massage helps these overworked muscles relax and recover.
The jaw and neck work together. TMJ massage typically includes the neck, shoulders, and upper back, where related tension commonly builds.
Tightness through the cheeks, temples, and face can accompany TMJ symptoms. Gentle, focused techniques help restore comfort to these smaller muscle groups.
Stress is one of the most common drivers of jaw clenching. Massage therapy supports overall relaxation while directly addressing the muscles that hold the tension.
TMJ massage at Flex Physio & Wellness is provided by Courtney Romancewicz, RMT, who has a special focus on TMJ treatment — and genuinely loves treating it. Courtney graduated with her 2,200-hour Massage Therapy Diploma from the Alberta College of Massage Therapy and builds each session around your symptoms, whether that's jaw soreness, tension headaches, or neck and shoulder tightness that won't let go.
Your first appointment starts with a conversation about your symptoms — when the tension shows up, what makes it worse, and whether headaches, clenching, or neck pain are part of the picture. Treatment focuses on the muscles of the jaw, face, head, neck, and shoulders using techniques and pressure suited to these smaller, often sensitive muscle groups.
Both help with TMJ symptoms — they just approach the problem differently. Massage therapy focuses on releasing the muscle tension itself: the tight, overworked muscles of the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. TMJ physiotherapy assesses how your jaw and neck move, then uses exercises, manual therapy, and home strategies to address movement patterns and habits.
Many clients benefit from combining the two: massage to settle the muscle tension, physiotherapy to address the movement and habit side. Because both are offered under one roof at Flex Physio & Wellness, your providers can coordinate your care. Not sure where to start? Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction, or read our guide to jaw pain, headaches, and neck tension.
Focused, hands-on treatment for the muscles around the jaw, face, head, neck, and shoulders. It's used to ease jaw tension, clenching or grinding-related tightness, tension headaches, and the neck tension that often comes with TMJ symptoms.
Both can help, and they often work well together. Massage focuses on releasing muscle tension; physiotherapy assesses jaw and neck movement and adds exercises and home strategies. You can book either at Flex Physio — or combine the two.
No. You can book TMJ massage directly, and direct billing is available for most extended health plans that cover registered massage therapy.
The jaw and facial muscles are smaller and often more sensitive than larger muscle groups, so your therapist uses techniques and pressure suited to the area. Some tenderness in tight spots is normal, but treatment should always stay within your comfort level.
It depends on how long the tension has been building and what's driving it. Many clients notice a difference after the first session or two; your therapist will recommend a plan based on your response and goals.
TMJ symptoms often respond best to a team approach. Explore related options at our Grande Prairie clinic.
