BALANCED HEALTH 
Wellness Center

What is TMJ/TMD?

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD or commonly called TMJ) is a condition causing pain and dysfunction in this joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

If you experience jaw pain, clicking/popping sounds, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you are not alone. TMJ disorders are common, but you don't have to live with the discomfort.
 

How Can Massage Therapy Help TMJ?

TMJ pain is often rooted in muscle tension. The powerful muscles responsible for chewing (masseters, temporalis) can become hypertonic—chronically tight and overworked—due to stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), or misalignment.

Our specialized TMJ massage therapy addresses the root cause of the pain by:

• Releasing Hypertonic Muscles: Using precise techniques to release tension in the jaw, neck, shoulder, and facial muscles.

• Breaking Down Adhesions: Gentle myofascial release to break up scar tissue and restore smooth muscle function.

• Improving Jaw Mobility: Increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness in the joint.

• Calming the Nervous System: Reducing the overall "fight or flight" response that can contribute to clenching and grinding.

• Decreasing Referred Pain: Alleviating tension that causes TMJ-related symptoms like headaches, earaches, and neck pain.
   

Common Symptoms We Address

You don't need a formal diagnosis to seek help. If you have any of the following, our therapy can likely provide relief:

• Jaw Pain or Tenderness

• Clicking, Popping, or Grating sounds in the jaw joint

• Locking of the Jaw, making it difficult to open or close your mouth

• Frequent Headaches or Migraines (especially upon waking)

• Earaches, Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or a feeling of fullness

• Pain that radiates to the face, neck, or shoulders

• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
   

What to Expect in Your TMJ Therapy Session

Your journey to a pain-free jaw begins with a personalized and compassionate approach.

1. Comprehensive Assessment: We begin with a detailed discussion of your history, symptoms, and goals, including a gentle physical evaluation of your jaw movement and muscle tension.

2. A Multi-Focused Approach: We treat the entire area of dysfunction, which often includes:

   • External Work: Precise, focused work on the muscles of the jaw (masseter), temples (temporalis), cheeks, neck, and shoulders.

   • Intra-Oral Work (with consent): For complete relief, our certified therapists may use gloved, gentle pressure on the muscles inside your mouth. This is the most effective way to release the deep jaw muscles and is always performed with your explicit permission and comfort as the top priority.

3. A Collaborative Plan: We will work with you—and often in coordination with your dentist or doctor—to create a sustainable care plan. This may include:

   • Self-Care Techniques: We teach you simple stretches and self-massage to manage tension at home.

   • Ergonomic & Habit Advice: Guidance on reducing strain from daily habits.

   • Hydration & Stress Management support.
      

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is intra-oral (inside the mouth) work safe and necessary?
A: It is extremely safe when performed by a trained professional. While not always mandatory, intra-oral work is often the most effective part of treatment because it allows direct access to the core chewing muscles that are otherwise unreachable. Your comfort and consent are paramount.

Q: How is this different from a regular massage?
A: A general relaxation massage addresses broad areas of tension. TMJ therapy is highly specialized, focusing on the specific anatomy and physiology of the jaw, head, and neck. The techniques are more precise and targeted.

Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Many clients feel significant relief after just 1-3 sessions. For long-standing, chronic conditions, a longer treatment plan may be recommended for lasting results. We will discuss a realistic timeline during your consultation.

Q: Will my insurance cover this?
A: If your health insurance covers massage therapy, it may apply. We provide detailed receipts with applicable codes for you to submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.

Q: Do I need a referral from my dentist?
A: No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment. However, we encourage open communication with your healthcare team and are happy to collaborate with your dentist or doctor for a coordinated care approach.