Not just jaw pain? We get it. We know the daily grind can take a toll on your jaw and your nerves. You might be dealing with tension headaches, neck pain, earaches, or even clicking or locking while chewing. TMD/TMJ physical therapy is aimed to provide care to address the root of your issue so you can speak, eat, and move without pain.
What We Treat
Common symptoms of TMD issues include:
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Jaw Pain
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Headaches or Facial Pain
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Jaw Clicking or Popping
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Locking of the Jaw
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Neck Tightness Related to Jaw Tension
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Tinnitus (Ear Ringing or Buzzing)
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Grinding Teeth
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Clenching of the Jaw
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Feeling of Fluid in Your Ears
Your TMD Assessment
Due to the complexity of the condition, we conduct a thorough TMD assessment that includes:
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Detailed history of symptoms
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Questionnaires
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Objective exam (range of motion, strength testing, ligament testing)
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Communication and letters to your dentist and/or physician
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From here a treatment plan can be formed.
TMD Treatment
From evidence and our clinical experience, we utilize a multidimensional treatment plan, including:
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Education of your condition
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Manual therapy
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Home exercises
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Self-management techniques
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Acupuncture
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Dry needling
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We consistently follow up with you to progress your program, so you achieve your goals.
Service Fees
+We direct bill most major insurance providers.​
TMD Assessment​
TMD Treatment​​
MSK/General Assessment​
MSK/General Treatment​​
$150 for 60 mins​
$130 for 45 mins​​​​
$135 for 60 mins​
$115 for 45 mins​​
Your Physiotherapist
BSc., MSc.PT
Sarah Graham
Special Interests & Skills:
TMJ treatment, Upper cervical,
French bilingual
Hi, I’m Sarah! I was born in the small town of Alma, Quebec, and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Winnipeg and later earned my Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta. Since starting my practice as a physiotherapist, I was drawn to treating upper body conditions and pursued further education and certifications related to the jaw, neck, upper back, and nerve-related conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel. That being said, I also tend to help rehab many folks with hypermobility, mostly dancers and acrobats, due to my experience with these activities. My treatment philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based holistic view of health - this means we will chat about contributing factors like sleep position, spine/jaw posture, alignment, breathing mechanics, and compensatory patterns. While manual techniques are great at providing relief, home exercises are the bread and butter of long-term rehabilitation and injury prevention. However, I know forming new habits can be challenging, so I focus on working with you to choose effective exercises that are easy to incorporate into your day. The best exercise is the one you will actually do! I am deeply committed to inclusivity and trauma-informed care and believe everyone deserves access to medical care free from discrimination. My goal is to create a welcoming, safe space for people of all ages, genders, sexualities, races, and cultural backgrounds—so don’t hesitate to be your authentic self when you work with me. Outside of the clinic, I describe myself as a nerdy nature lover. I enjoy going on hikes, camping, paddleboarding, and love to do aerial hoop, yoga, pilates, and various styles of dance. Balance is key, so I also make time to relax with a home-cooked meal and board/video games with friends.
Whatever your pursuit, let's get you there, pain free.
Located in Evolve Strength - Calgary Royal Oak
#600, 8888 Country Hills Blvd. NW
Calgary, AB T3G 0B6
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Collaboration
& Referrals
We work with TMD professionals to ensure your physiotherapy treatment is as effective as possible. We send regular progress reports to your doctor, dentist, orthodontist, and TMD specialist to update them.
If you are looking to send us a referral, you can use our TMD referral form.
More about TMJ & TMD
What is TMJ vs. TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint (jaw), whereas TMD refers to temporomandibular disorders. The temporomandibular joints are one of the most frequently used joint in the body, as they need to open and close up to 2000 times per day. They probably receive the least amount of attention. Simple daily techniques and exercise can help alleviate and prevent symptoms from occurring (Selvam & Ramachandran, 2017).
TMD is a collective term that includes disorders of the TMJ, of the masticatory muscles, and their associated structures. It is characterized by pain, headaches, joint sounds (clicking/popping), and restricted movement (Selvam & Ramachandran, 2017).
Why does TMD occur?
The cause of TMD is multifactorial and multidimensional, it involves neurobiological, biomechanical, neuromuscular, and biopsychological factors. Due to this we take a multidimensional treatment approach to physiotherapy and ensure that we offer explanations of why symptoms likely occur.
Why does TMD cause ringing in my ears?
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds in the inner ear that are not from an external source. The cranial nerves run close to the TMJ, and so hyperactivity of these nerves can cause ringing in the ears. The interaction between tinnitus and TMD is a complex issue, but it is known to be more prevalent among those suffering from TMD when compared to the general population. Physiotherapy is shown to provide significant improvements of tinnitus.
Why does TMD treatment often include the neck?
There is an association between TMD and other craniocervical conditions such as neck pain and headache. The relationship between the TMJ and cervical spine is complex, with many mechanisms at play. Due to this relationship, manual therapy along the cervical region can be beneficial. Evidence shows that treating the cervical spine manually leads to improvements in jaw range of motion, TMJ pain, and sensitivity.
