TMJ Disorder (TMJD) Symptom Relief: How Massage Can Help Ease Jaw Pain
- Brittany Neal
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Understanding TMJD and How to Find Relief
If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when chewing, you might be dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD). This common condition affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often leading to discomfort, stiffness, and even difficulty opening or closing the mouth.
At Bodywork by Britt, we specialize in therapeutic massage techniques that can help relieve TMJD symptoms naturally. In this post, we’ll explore what causes TMJD, common symptoms, and how massage therapy can provide lasting relief.
What is TMJD?
TMJD (or TMJ disorder) is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause chronic pain, tension, and restricted movement.
Common Causes of TMJD:
🔹 Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Excess pressure on the jaw joint
🔹 Jaw misalignment – Uneven bite patterns leading to stress on the joint
🔹 Stress & tension – Clenching the jaw due to anxiety
🔹 Injury or trauma – Impact to the jaw or head
🔹 Arthritis – Degeneration of the joint over time
Symptoms of TMJD
The symptoms of TMJD can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that affects daily activities like eating and speaking.
✅ Jaw pain or tenderness
✅ Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving the jaw
✅ Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
✅ Frequent headaches or migraines
✅ Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)
✅ Neck and shoulder tension
If left untreated, TMJD can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and jaw dysfunction. That’s why finding an effective relief method—like massage therapy—is essential.
How Massage Can Help TMJD Pain Relief
Massage therapy is a natural, non-invasive way to alleviate TMJD symptoms by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.
1. Relaxes Tight Jaw Muscles
TMJD often causes tightness in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. Targeted massage helps loosen these muscles, reducing pain and stiffness.
2. Improves Jaw Mobility
By increasing circulation and flexibility, massage allows for smoother, more comfortable jaw movements.
3. Reduces Headaches and Neck Tension
TMJD-related pain often spreads to the head, neck, and shoulders. Massage relieves tension in these areas, reducing headaches and overall discomfort.
4. Lowers Stress and Prevents Clenching
Many people clench their jaws due to stress and anxiety. Massage promotes relaxation, which can help prevent unconscious jaw clenching.
TMJD Massage Techniques
At Bodywork by Britt, we use specialized massage techniques to target the muscles that contribute to TMJD pain.
✔️ Intraoral Massage – Gentle massage inside the mouth to release deep jaw tension
✔️ Masseter Release – Focused pressure on the main chewing muscle
✔️ Temporal Muscle Work – Relieving tightness in the temples and sides of the head
✔️ Neck & Shoulder Massage – Addressing tension that contributes to jaw pain
What to Expect During a TMJD Massage at Bodywork by Britt
🔹 Personalized consultation to assess symptoms
🔹 Gentle, targeted massage for jaw, neck, and head muscles
🔹 Breathing & relaxation techniques to ease tension
🔹 Self-care tips to maintain relief between sessions
Most clients feel immediate relief after just one session, with continued improvements over time.
Book Your TMJD Massage Today!
You don’t have to live with jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort. At Bodywork by Britt, we offer expert TMJD massage therapy to help you find relief and restore jaw function naturally.
Ready to ease your jaw pain? Book your TMJD relief massage today!
Schedule an appointment now → Book
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