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