TMJ Disorder Massage in Portland
TMJ Disorder massage focuses on relieving pain and tension associated with temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that can cause jaw pain, facial tension, headaches, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Some people also experience clicking, popping, or restricted movement in the jaw.
TMJ Disorder often develops from clenching, grinding, stress, dental procedures, or muscular imbalances affecting the jaw and surrounding areas. In my practice, treatment focuses on releasing tension in the muscles that control jaw movement, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, along with the surrounding muscles of the face, neck, and upper shoulders that influence jaw function.
Using techniques such as trigger point release, myofascial work, and targeted muscle treatment, TMJ Disorder massage helps reduce muscular tension and support more natural movement of the jaw.
When appropriate, treatment may also include gentle intra-oral work, which involves gloved massage inside the mouth to access deeper jaw muscles that cannot be reached externally. This allows treatment of muscles such as the pterygoids, which play an important role in jaw movement.
TMJ Disorder treatment is always performed gradually and within your comfort level. I will never push you beyond what feels comfortable, and intra-oral work is only performed with your consent and when it may be beneficial for your treatment.
TMJ Disorder Massage Can Help With
Jaw pain and tightness
Clicking or popping in the jaw
Teeth grinding or clenching
Facial muscle tension
Ear and temple discomfort
Neck and shoulder tension related to jaw strain
Restricted jaw movement or difficulty opening the mouth
“I've been coming to Steph for three years for managing chronic pain and she is fantastic. I cannot recommend her enough. She has helped me manage ongoing pain in my back and neck, as well as targeting various other problems as they come up, from post-workout tightness to more unusual things.
Recently, the chronic pain from my neck started working its way up through my jaw, leading to teeth clenching, tension headaches and more frequent migraines. Steph started working intra-oral massage into our regular visits and the results were immediate.
We've been able to reverse that creeping tightness and the resulting pain and headaches and have been able to manage it before it has a chance to get bad again. On top of all that, Steph is incredibly kind and thoughtful and I'm grateful to have her as part of my care team.”
~ Lauren G.
TMJ Disorder, Headaches, and Migraines
TMJ Disorder is often associated with tension headaches and migraines. The muscles that control jaw movement—particularly the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids—can create significant tension in the temples, face, and sides of the head when they become chronically tight.
Many people who experience migraines also carry tension in the jaw, neck, and upper shoulders, which can aggravate headache patterns. By releasing tension in these areas, TMJ Disorder massage can help reduce pressure through the temples and surrounding muscles that contribute to headache discomfort.
Treatment may include work through the jaw muscles, temples, neck, and upper shoulders, addressing the muscular patterns that often accompany both TMJ Disorder and chronic headaches.
Muscles Commonly Treated
Masseter
Temporalis
Pterygoid muscles
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
Upper trapezius
Muscles of the neck and upper back
