Can Massage Therapy Help with TMJ Dysfunction and Pain?
- Sophie Ingram
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Can Medical Massage Therapy Help TMJ Dysfunction?
If you’ve ever felt pain in your jaw, heard clicking when chewing, or struggled with headaches that radiate from the face, you may be one of the many people living with TMJ dysfunction (also known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder). For many, it’s a frustrating, chronic issue with very few effective answers.
At True Health Centers in Arvada, CO, we use medical massage therapy as part of our integrative approach to TMJ pain—often with more effective, lasting results than conventional treatments.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMJ dysfunction refers to problems in the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects
your jaw to your skull. When something goes wrong—tight muscles, joint misalignment, inflammation, or nervous system imbalances—you may feel:
Jaw pain or tightness
Clicking or popping during chewing
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
Headaches or earaches
Neck or upper back tension
Common and Lesser-Known Causes of TMJ Dysfunction
The jaw is part of a larger biomechanical and neurological system, so it’s no surprise that TMJ issues can stem from more than just clenching your teeth.
Common causes include:
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Jaw clenching from stress or anxiety
Misalignment of teeth or bite (malocclusion)
Direct trauma to the jaw or face
Lesser-known contributors may include:
Forward head posture
Cervical spine dysfunction
Fascia tightness in the neck, shoulders, or diaphragm
Sleep apnea or airway issues
Emotional trauma and unresolved tension patterns
Many of these root causes are often overlooked in conventional treatment plans, which is why patients experience limited or short-term relief.
What Are the Conventional Treatments for TMJ?
Most traditional treatment plans for TMJ dysfunction include:
Night guards or bite splints
NSAIDs and muscle relaxants
Botox injections into the jaw muscles
Physical therapy or ultrasound
Surgery in severe cases
While these treatments may provide temporary symptom relief, they rarely address the full muscular, fascial, neurological, and emotional root causes. And few practitioners even assess the kinetic chain—how imbalances in your neck, spine, shoulders, or posture may be driving jaw dysfunction.
Why Medical Massage Therapy Is More Effective for TMJ Pain
Unlike a standard relaxation massage, medical massage therapy is focused, clinical, and integrative. At True Health Centers, our massage therapists are trained to work alongside chiropractors and physical therapists, so your treatment is part of a larger care plan.
Here’s how medical massage therapy goes further:
1. Targeted Release of Jaw and Neck Muscles: Muscles like the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid are often hyperactive in TMJ cases. A medical massage therapist knows how to access and release these safely, including intraoral work if appropriate.
2. Whole-Body Postural Corrections: We assess and treat contributing tightness in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and diaphragm, improving posture and reducing mechanical stress on the jaw joint.
3. Nervous System Regulation: TMJ pain often flares under stress. Medical massage calms the autonomic nervous system, helping you downregulate fight-or-flight responses that lead to jaw clenching.
4. Kinetic Chain Awareness: The jaw doesn’t exist in isolation. If your pelvis, spine, or feet aren’t functioning properly, tension can travel upward and manifest in the jaw. Our massage therapists are trained to spot these patterns.
Integrating Medical Massage with Other Therapies for TMJ Pain and Dysfunction
At True Health Centers, we often combine medical massage with:
Chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine and TMJ
Dry needling to deactivate stubborn trigger points
Naturopathic care to address stress, inflammation, and hormone imbalances
Infrared sauna to support muscle relaxation and reduce systemic inflammation
Mind-body counseling for those with trauma-related clenching or anxiety
This whole-person approach is what leads to lasting results—not just temporary symptom management.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Medical Massage Therapy for TMJ Dysfunction?
If you experience any of the following, you may benefit from medical massage therapy for TMJ:
Jaw tension or pain that worsens with stress
Clicking or locking of the jaw joint
Headaches that originate near the temples
Limited mouth opening
History of dental work, orthodontics, or trauma
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