TMJ Massage in Ottawa

Relief for jaw tension, headaches, and stress you’ve been holding without even realizing it.

If you’re dealing with jaw pain, clenching, clicking, headaches, or tension that crawls into your face and neck, you’re not alone. TMJ discomfort often builds slowly — especially during stressful seasons — and many people don’t even realize how much tension they’re carrying until it starts affecting sleep, eating, focus, or daily comfort.

At Triada Health Ottawa, our Registered Massage Therapists offer TMJ massage that feels gentle, specific, and relieving. We focus on calming the muscles that support your jaw, releasing surrounding tension, and helping you understand what’s contributing to the discomfort in the first place.

This isn’t a “deep-tissue jaw massage.” It’s thoughtful, precise, and always within your comfort level.

Why TMJ Tension Happens

TMJ discomfort can come from many places, and it often builds gradually. For example:

  • Stress or jaw clenching (day or night)
  • Teeth grinding
  • Neck strain from posture and screen time
  • Shoulder tightness
  • Previous dental work
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Chronic sinus pressure
  • Emotional tension stored in the jaw

Because the jaw connects closely with the neck and shoulders, the pain often spreads to those areas. As a result, many people notice headaches, ear pressure, facial tightness, and trouble relaxing the jaw.

Understanding where your strain is coming from helps your therapist tailor a session that’s both effective and calming.

What TMJ Massage Feels Like

TMJ massage is slow, targeted, and surprisingly soothing. Your treatment may include:

  • Gentle work on the muscles along the jawline
  • Massage for the temples, cheeks, and face
  • Neck and shoulder release
  • Relaxation techniques to help calm clenching patterns
  • Slow, supportive work around the upper back and chest

Throughout your session, your therapist checks in regularly to keep you comfortable. Many people feel relief immediately — especially around the jaw, temples, and behind the eyes — while others notice greater improvements over a few sessions.

Do You Need Intraoral TMJ Massage?

Some TMJ discomfort originates inside the mouth. However, intraoral treatment is never required and is offered only when appropriate, comfortable, and desired.

When it may help

  • Persistent jaw clenching
  • Significant clicking
  • Deep tension you can “feel” behind the teeth
  • Difficulty opening the jaw fully

Your therapist will always explain the process before beginning. And if you’d prefer to stay external only, that is completely fine. The goal is comfort, clarity, and relief — not pushing into areas you’re unsure about.

Symptoms TMJ Massage Can Help With

Massage can be an excellent complement for people experiencing:

  • Jaw tightness or achiness
  • Clicking or popping
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Stress-related clenching
  • Headaches
  • Ear fullness or pressure
  • Facial tension
  • Neck stiffness
  • Difficulty relaxing the jaw

Since the jaw is deeply connected to the upper body, releasing one area often helps the others as well.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your session begins with a relaxed conversation about what you’re feeling and how long the discomfort has been happening. After that, your therapist will walk you through:

  1. Which muscles are involved
  2. How your posture or daily habits may be affecting your jaw
  3. What the massage will include
  4. Ways to stay comfortable during treatment
  5. Simple at-home strategies you can use afterward

Because TMJ symptoms can be tied to stress, your session may also include techniques to calm the nervous system. Even small changes in tension can create meaningful relief.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Every jaw is different. However:

  • Some clients feel relief in 1–3 sessions
  • Many benefit from a short series (3–6 sessions)
  • Those with chronic clenching or grinding may prefer ongoing maintenance

Your therapist will guide you based on what your jaw muscles tell them during treatment.

And of course, you’re welcome to book only as needed.

Connected Services That Support TMJ Recovery

Book Your TMJ Massage in Ottawa

If your jaw feels tight, achy, or overworked — or if stress is showing up in your face, neck, or head — a TMJ-focused massage can bring relief and help you understand what’s causing the tension.

You don’t have to push through discomfort.

Book your TMJ massage today, or reach out by email or phone if you’d like help deciding where to begin.