TMJ Massage
TMJ Massage
TMJ Disorders and the Role of Massage Therapy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, just beneath your ears. This small but powerful joint allows you to chew, speak, yawn, and express yourself. When the joint or surrounding muscles become strained, irritated, or misaligned, it can lead to a collection of problems often referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
TMD is more common than many realize. An estimated 11.2 to 12.4 million U.S. adults about 4.8% of the population experienced pain in the region of the TMJ in 2018 that may have been related to TMDs (Slade & Durham, 2020).
Common Symptoms of TMD
Because the TMJ connects to so many muscles in the face, head, and neck, symptoms can vary widely. Clients may experience:
Jaw discomfort or stiffness – pain that increases with movement.
Difficulty chewing – soreness or feeling like your bite doesn’t align.
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds – noises during jaw movement, with or without pain.
Locking of the jaw – challenges opening or closing fully.
Headaches and migraines – especially around the temples, eyes, or base of the skull.
Ear-related issues – ringing, pressure, or fullness.
Facial swelling or pain – tension through the cheeks or temples.
Neck and shoulder pain – radiating tension from jaw clenching.
Muscle fatigue – facial muscles that feel tired or sore.
Many people don’t immediately connect these symptoms to their jaw. For example, frequent headaches or earaches may actually be rooted in TMD.
What Causes TMD?
Several factors can lead to jaw dysfunction:
Stress & Anxiety Bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching) – often stress-related but can be from sleep apnea.
Muscle tension – tightness in the face, head, or neck.
Injury – trauma or impact to the jaw.
Joint conditions – such as arthritis that affects the TMJ.
Dental work - mouth open for long periods or the change of the occlusion (bite) due to implants or fillings.
Because the jaw is used constantly, even small imbalances can create ongoing irritation.
Neurotoxin Injections: Why Massage Comes First
Dr. Jeffrey Okeson, DMD, from the Orofacial Pain Institute at the University of Kentucky, emphasizes that neurotoxin injections should always be a last-resort treatment for TMD. It’s also important to note that neurotoxins are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of TMJ disorders.
If someone does choose injections, they should only be performed by a specialist trained in TMD, since many different soft tissues contribute to jaw dysfunction not just the masseter muscle. Massage offers a safe, conservative first-line option before pursuing invasive measures.
How Massage Therapy Helps
Massage therapy is an effective, non-invasive option for managing TMD symptoms. By releasing tension in the facial and jaw muscles, massage can:
Reduce pain in the jaw, face, and head.
Improve mobility and function of the joint.
Support circulation to decrease inflammation.
Lower stress that contributes to clenching and grinding.
Provide overall relaxation and nervous system balance.
One important benefit of TMJ massage is that it intercepts the neuroconnection between the brain and the trigeminal nerve, which runs through the muscles involved in jaw movement. Because the trigeminal nerve plays a major role in stress and anxiety responses, releasing the muscles around it can weaken the cycle of clenching, pain, and tension that often fuels TMJ issues.
Intraoral Massage for TMJ
In some cases, an advanced approach called intraoral massage may be used. With gloves for safety, the therapist gently works inside the mouth to release tension in the deep jaw muscles that cannot be reached externally.
During a TMJ session, your therapist may also work on related areas like the temples, neck, shoulders, and under the cheekbones. While some areas may feel tender, the techniques are designed to bring significant relief and restore balance.
Benefits of TMJ Massage
Pain relief – reduced jaw, head, and facial discomfort.
Improved range of motion – easier chewing, speaking, and yawning.
Stress and anxiety reduction – by calming the trigeminal nerve response.
Better quality of life – relief from symptoms that disrupt daily activities.
What the Research Says
Studies support the benefits of massage for TMJ pain:
A systematic review found that therapeutic exercises and manual therapy can significantly reduce TMD symptoms and improve jaw function (Manfredini et al., 2010).
A randomized clinical trial showed that intraoral massage reduced pain and improved mobility in patients with chronic TMJ-related muscle pain (Clark et al., 2014).
Find Relief
If jaw pain, headaches, or clenching are affecting your life, massage therapy may be the missing piece in your care. At Relief Massage Method in Parkville, we specialize in TMJ-focused techniques, including the SomaFace℠ Method and intraoral massage, to help you find lasting comfort.
📍 Located in north Kansas City, our practice is trusted by clients seeking effective, compassionate care for TMD.
Book your TMJ massage today and take the first step toward relief.
Sources
Manfredini, D., Castroflorio, T., Perinetti, G., & Guarda-Nardini, L. (2010). Randomized controlled trials of therapeutic exercises for temporomandibular disorders (TMD): a systematic review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 37(8), 653–662. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02094
Clark, G. T., Beemsterboer, P. L., & Solberg, W. K. (2014). Intraoral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular pain: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18(4), 636–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.02.001
Okeson, J. P. (2022). Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion. Mosby/Elsevier.
Slade, G., & Durham, J. (2020). In: Yost O, Liverman CT, English R, et al., editors. Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); Appendix C, Prevalence, Impact, and Costs of Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557996/