5 Signs You May Need a TMJ Massage (And What to Do About It)

What is TMJ Massage Therapy?

TMJ massage therapy targets the muscles around the jaw joint, helping to release tension, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility. At Attune Massage Therapy, we use specialized techniques to help relieve jaw pain, headaches, and tension caused by TMJ disorder.

If you’re unsure whether TMJ massage is right for you, here are five signs you might need one:

1. You Have Jaw Pain or Tenderness
Pain around the jaw, cheeks, or temples is one of the most common signs of TMJ dysfunction. This discomfort may be worse in the morning or after chewing tough foods. If you frequently rub your jaw or feel soreness, it’s a sign your muscles need relief.

👉 Massage Helps By:

Relaxing tight jaw muscles (masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids)
Increasing blood circulation to reduce inflammation
Restoring normal jaw movement

2. Your Jaw Clicks, Pops, or Feels Stiff
Does your jaw make clicking or popping sounds when you chew or yawn? Do you struggle to open or close your mouth fully? These are signs of TMJ dysfunction, often caused by muscle imbalances or joint misalignment.

👉 Massage Helps By:

Loosening tight muscles that restrict movement
Encouraging proper jaw alignment
Reducing inflammation around the joint

3. You Get Frequent Headaches or Facial Pain
Many TMJ sufferers experience chronic headaches, migraines, or facial pain due to muscle tension in the jaw, temples, and neck. If pain starts around your temples and radiates down your face, TMJ massage can be a game-changer.

👉 Massage Helps By:

Relieving trigger points that contribute to headaches
Reducing tension in facial and jaw muscles
Improving circulation to ease pain

4. You Clench or Grind Your Teeth (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching—especially at night—can overwork your jaw muscles, leading to tightness and discomfort. If you wake up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth, TMJ massage can help prevent long-term damage.

👉 Massage Helps By:

Relaxing overworked jaw muscles
Reducing stress-related clenching
Encouraging proper muscle function

5. You Have Ear Pain, Fullness, or Ringing (Tinnitus)
Many people don’t realize that TMJ dysfunction can cause ear-related issues, including:
✅ Ear pain or pressure
✅ A feeling of fullness in the ears
✅ Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Since the jaw joint is located close to the ear, tension in the TMJ can put pressure on nearby nerves and muscles.

👉 Massage Helps By:

Reducing muscle tension affecting the ear
Improving circulation to the jaw and ear area
Relieving pressure that may be causing discomfort

What to Do If You Have TMJ Symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, consider booking a TMJ massage therapy session at Attune Massage Therapy in Richmond, VA. Our specialized treatments help:
✔️ Relieve jaw pain and improve mobility
✔️ Reduce headaches and facial tension
✔️ Minimize teeth grinding and stress-related jaw clenching

📅 Schedule your TMJ massage today and take the first step toward lasting relief!

We provide high-quality, efficient, and dependable services at Attune Massage Therapy, Contact us at (804) 901-2952 or come in today for expert TMJ treatment and medical massage therapy.

Additional Reading:

How to relieve TMJ jaw pain.

How to get rid of ear pain from TMJ.

Is there any way to cure TMJ naturally?

How posture correction exercises improve TMJ symptoms.