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Relieve Jaw Tension. Restore Comfort. Improve Function.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) can cause pain, tension, and reduce mobility in the jaw, neck, head, and shoulders. Many people experience symptoms such as jaw clicking, clenching, grinding, earaches, headaches, or difficulty chewing-often without realizing the root cause is muscular.
Our massage Therapy sessions are designed to gently reduce muscular tension and improve the function of the jaw and surrounding areas. This may include treatment of the masseter, temporalis, pterygoid, and related cervical muscles using externally applied techniques. With informed consent, intraoral massage may be offered for appropriate cases.
Common TMJD Symptoms:
• Jaw pain or clicking
• Teeth grinding or clenching (Bruxism)
• Headaches or facial tension
• Ear pain or pressure mouth opening
• Limited or painful mouth opening
• Neck and shoulder tightness
How Massage Therapy can help:
• Reduces muscle tension in the jaw and neck
• Eases pressure and discomfort
• Improves jaw mobility and alignment
• Supports relaxation and nervous system regulation
• Complements care from your dentist, orthodontist, or other providers
What to Expect:
Each treatment is tailored to your comfort and needs. A thorough intake ensures that your health history, symptoms and treatment goals are reviewed. Consent is discussed before any intraoral work, which is always optional and performed with gloved hands.
You are welcome to bring a dental guard, imaging results, or a note from your dentist if applicable-but none are required to begin care.
Who Benefits:
• Individuals with TMJD or jaw tension
• Those recovering from Dental Surgery or orthodontic adjustments
• Musicians, public speakers, or anyone who uses their voice extensively
• People experiencing stress-related clenching or grinding
• Patients seeking gentle focused therapy with a trauma-informed approach
Medical Clearance, Precautions & Contraindications
Massage Therapy for TMJD is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, in some cases, medical clearance may be required before treatment-especially if you are under care for complex dental, neurological, or structural conditions.
Please inform your therapist if you:
• Have had recent jaw, dental, or facial surgery (within 6 weeks)
• are undergoing treatment for active infection, abscess, or dental implant integration
• Have been diagnosed with dislocation, fracture, or disc derangement in the TMJ
• Are experiencing unexplained jaw locking, numbness, or tingling
• Are being treated for a neurological condition involving the head or face
• Are currently using medication that may increase bleeding or sensitivity
• Have a history of cancer or radiation therapy to the head/neck area
• Have received botox or dermal fillers to the face/jaw within the past 2 weeks
Intraoral Massage
Intraoral massage is only performed with your informed, written consent. It is not required and may not be appropriate for all cases.
Contraindications for intraoral work include:
• Open sores or lesions in the mouth
• Active dental infections or severe gum disease
• Acute TMJ dislocation or instability
• Recent dental procedures without healing clearance
• Patient discomfort or refusal (treatment will be adapted accordingly)
Medications to Disclose
Massage therapy can interact with certain medications in ways that may increase risk or require treatment adjustments. Please inform your therapist of all current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and recent injections (e.g., Botox, Corticosteroids).
Why it Matters:
• Blood Thinners (e.g, Warfarin, Aspirin, Plavix): May increase bruising or internal bleeding risk.
• Anti-inflammatories and painkillers (NSAIDs, opioids): May dull pain feedback, masking tissue damage.
• Steroids (oral or injected): May weaken connective tissue or thin skin.
• Muscle relaxants or sedatives: Can increase the risk of light-headedness or falling asleep during or after treatment.
• Insulin or diabetic medications: Can impact blood sugar regulation; massage may lower blood sugar levels unexpectedly.
• Chemotherapy or immunosuppressants: Require extra precautions for infection control and lymphatic sensitivity.
• Hormone therapy or antidepressants: May affect tissue response, emotional reactivity, or circulatory response.
If you are Unsure
If you are uncertain how your medications may interact with massage therapy, please consult your healthcare providers for clearance prior to treatment. We are happy to adapt your session accordingly once we understand your current needs and safety requirements.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Accepting new patients for TMJD-focused massage.
Referrals are welcome, but not required.
Online booking with Lotus Chan RMT available at:
www.bellesmeremassage.com
- Written by Lotus Chan
Restore comfort. Reclaim Confidence. Support Healing.
Scar tissue can limit movement, cause discomfort, or silently contribute to chronic pain patterns-whether from surgery, injury, or inflammation. Scar Release Massage Therapy offers a gentle, clinically-informed way to soften adhesions, support circulation, and restores ease to the body.
What is Scar Release Massage Therapy?
Scar Release Massage Therapy uses specialized manual techniques to support mobility and comfort around scars. It works with both surface and deep tissue structures to:
• Improve local circulation and lymphatic flow
• Reduce restriction and tension
• Ease discomfort and reconnect sensation
• Improve the elasticity and appearance of the scar.
Treatments are customized based on scar location, depth, type, and stage of healing. Both new (fully healed) and old scars can benefit.
What to Expect?
Sessions begin with a review of your health history and informed consent. Scar work is approached gently, respecting your pace, sensation and boundaries. Techniques are non-invasive and tailored to each individual.
Commonly Treated Scars
• C-section and abdominal surgery
• Joint or spinal surgery
• Injury-related scars (falls, accidents)
• Laparoscopic or organ-related procedures
• Burns or skin grafts
• Adhesions from inflammation or repetitive strain
Who Should Seek Medical Clearance First?
Please consult your physician or specialist before starting scar therapy if any of the following apply:
• You are undergoing active cancer treatment
• Your scar is related to cardiac, spinal, or organ surgery
• You have a pacemaker or implanted medical device near the scar site
• You are taking immunosuppressants or blood thinners
• You have a history of infection, clotting disorders, or fragile skin
• You have had complications with wound healing or keloid scarring
• You are post-radiation or chemotherapy with residual effects
Precautions & Contraindications
Scar Release Massage is not performed directly on areas with:
• Open wounds or unhealed incisions
• Active infection, inflammation or rashes
• Recent sutures, staples, or surgical glue
• Skin grafts not yet cleared for manual therapy
• Recent radiation sites (within clearance period)
• Server chronic pain without medical assessment
• Scars over untreated hernias or aneurysms
In some cases, indirect or regional work may still be helpful while waiting for medical clearance or further healing.
A Supportive Approach
Scar Release Massage Therapy is not a cosmetic treatment-it is a restorative therapy focused on reconnecting the body, improving mobility, and supporting nervous system regulation after physical trauma.
Your safety, comfort and informed consent are always prioritized.
Medications to Disclose
Massage therapy can interact with certain medications in ways that may increase risk or require treatment adjustments. Please inform your therapist of all current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and recent injections (e.g., Botox, Corticosteroids).
Why it Matters:
• Blood Thinners (e.g, Warfarin, Asprin, Plavix): May increase bruising or internal bleeding risk.
• Anti-inflammatories and pain killers (NSAIDs, opiods): May dull pain feedback, masking tissue damage.
• Steroids (oral or injected): May weaken connective tissue or thin skin.
• Muscle relaxants or sedatives: Can increase the risk of light-headedness or falling asleep during or after treatment.
• Insulin or diabetic medications: Can impact blood sugar regulation; massage may lower blood sugar levels unexpectedly.
• Chemotherapy or immunosuppressants: Require extra precautions for infection control and lymphatic sensitivity.
• Hormone therapy or antidepressants: May affect tissue response, emotional reactivity, or circulatory response.
If you are Unsure
If you are uncertain how your medications may interact with massage therapy, please consult your healthcare providers for clearance prior to treatment. We are happy to adapt your session accordingly once we understand your current needs and safety requirements.
Ready to begin your healing journey?
Online booking with Lotus Chan RMT available at:
www.bellesmeremassage.com
- Written by Lotus Chan
I am away for Brain therapy 2 with the Chikly Institute and will be back in July.
For online booking please visit bosnarhealth.janeapp.com
Enjoy the nice weather!
- Written by Lotus Chan
As usual I have been busy on my quest for knowledge to enrich my understanding of the body.
My most recent course was Silicone Cupping from The Cupping Revolution. Quite an intense and extensive course. I say this as I have taken other cupping courses in the past. I am pleased they cover silicone cupping for abdominal scars!
On the other hand, I have been studying with the Chikly Institute for the last few years in order to gain insight on trauma. Specifically the impact from brain injuries, brain surgeries and how trauma manifests and reacts. This June I attended level 3 held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is quite exciting and inspiring to be present for the course.
On the energetic front, I am still continuing my apprenticeship with teachers in Asia.
Amazing people teaching, inspiring and creating better therapists. I am glad to be studying under these passionate people.
- Written by Lotus Chan
I will be in the office between April 1 to 10, 2016, May 10 to June 12.
All the dates in between I will be away for courses.
(Barral Institute) MASP - Manual Articular Approach to Spine and Pelvis
Ongoing Energy healing techniques
(Chikly Institute) Brain Therapy 1 - Brain Tissue, Nuclei, Fluid & Autonomic Nervous System
May you be in excellent health!
- Written by Lotus Chan
