TMJ & Jaw Pain Relief with Massage Therapy in Brentwood, CA
Specialized massage therapy for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction, relieving jaw pain, bruxism (teeth grinding), and associated headaches.
the root causes of your condition and provide lasting relief.
⚠️Signs You May Need This Treatment
You may benefit from this treatment if you experience:
Common Causes
- Jaw clenching & Bruxism
- Teeth grinding
- Stress and tension
- TMJ inflammation
- Neck and face muscle tightness
- Clicking or popping jaw
How Massage Therapy Helps
Therapeutic massage addresses this condition through multiple mechanisms: reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, releasing trigger points, decreasing inflammation, and promoting natural healing responses.
Recommended Treatment Approaches
- Intraoral massage (gloved)
- Myofascial release for masseters
- Trigger point therapy
- Neck & scalp tension relief
- Jaw stretching exercises
What to Expect During Treatment
During your first visit, we conduct a thorough intake to understand your pain patterns, medical history, and treatment goals. Your massage session is customized to your specific condition and may combine multiple techniques for optimal results.
Treatment Frequency
Most clients experience significant improvement within 3-6 sessions. We typically recommend:
- Acute conditions: 1-2 sessions per week for 2-4 weeks
- Chronic conditions: 1 session per week for 6-8 weeks, then maintenance
- Maintenance: 1-2 sessions per month for ongoing relief
🎯What to Expect: Session Timeline
4-6 sessions. Relief often felt quickly, retraining habits takes longer.
Work on neck, shoulders, and external jaw muscles (Masseter, Temporalis). Intra-oral work (inside mouth with gloves) if comfortable/consented.
Significant tension reduction often after 1 session. 4-6 sessions to establish new muscle memory and reduce resting tension.
Note: Everyone responds differently. Timeline depends on condition severity, how long you've had it, overall health, and home care compliance.
🏠Home Care Between Sessions
Maximize your results with these self-care strategies:
Resting Tongue Position
Practice "Lips together, teeth apart, tongue on roof of mouth." This is the neutral jaw position.
Self-Massage
Gently knead the masseter muscles (cheeks) when in shower or before bed to discern tension.
Stress Management
Most TMJ is stress-clenching. Deep breathing or meditation before sleep reduces night grinding.
Soft Diet
During flare-ups, avoid gum, bagels, steak. Give jaw muscles a rest.
Integration with Other Therapies
Massage therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We often recommend combining massage with other therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or appropriate exercises for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you put your hands in my mouth?
Intra-oral massage (inside the mouth with gloves) is the most effective way to reach the Pterygoid muscles. We ONLY do this with your explicit consent and comfort. It is not required but highly recommended.
Is TMJ massage painful?
Jaw muscles are sensitive. It can be intense but should be a "good" release. We communicate constantly about pressure.
Does this help with ear popping?
Yes, tight jaw muscles can compress the eustachian tube. Releasing them often relieves ear fullness/popping.
Can massage stop me from grinding my teeth?
Massage relaxes the muscles so grinding is less destructive, but doesn't stop the habit (usually stress/brain). It reduces the "hangover" pain from grinding.
Do you work on the neck too?
Absolutely. TMJ and neck tension always go together. We treat the whole upper kinetic chain.
How long does relief last?
Varies. With self-care exercises, longer and longer. Stressful periods may require a "tune-up" session.
🔗This Treatment Also Helps With
These related conditions often improve with the same treatment approach: