Do you experience jaw tension, aching muscles near your ears, or a clicking sound when you chew or yawn? These symptoms are common signs of a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint isn’t working properly, the discomfort can affect your eating, sleeping, and overall well-being.

For many people, TMJ issues are chronic and can be made worse by stress, poor posture, or teeth grinding. Treatment options vary, and massage treatment is one approach often explored by people looking for relief. At Revelstoke Wellness, we offer intra-oral massage as a supportive way to help ease tension in the jaw, face, and neck. While not a cure-all, this type of massage may provide meaningful comfort and relaxation.

In this blog, we’ll explore what TMJ disorder is, how massage treatment works as part of a care plan, and what you can expect if you’re considering booking a session at Revelstoke Wellness. 

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which acts like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull. You use it constantly—when you talk, chew, yawn, and even when you clench your jaw without realizing it. So when something goes wrong with this joint or the surrounding muscles, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Temporomandibular disorders (often shortened to TMD or just TMJ) can cause jaw pain, headaches, stiffness, popping or clicking noises, and even pain that radiates to your neck or ears. Some people also experience limited jaw movement or a feeling like the jaw is “locked.”

The causes of TMJ disorder aren’t always clear. It can be the result of an injury, arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, or chronic tension and stress. While some cases resolve on their own, others may persist or worsen over time. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and explore treatment options that support both physical and emotional wellness.

Can Massage Help with TMJ Pain?

Massage isn’t a cure for TMJ disorders, but many people find that massage can be a supportive tool for managing discomfort. In clinical settings, registered massage therapists may provide therapeutic treatment as part of a broader care plan that could also include dental work, physiotherapy, stress management, or at-home self-care.

At Revelstoke Wellness, our approach is focused on wellness-based massage. While not a medical treatment, this style of care can still help ease tight or overworked muscles in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. By releasing tension in these areas, wellness massage may reduce discomfort and support overall relaxation and comfort.

A Canadian study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that manual therapy paired with targeted exercise has been associated with reductions in TMJ-related pain and improved jaw mobility. While our services are non-therapeutic and focused on relaxation, similar hands-on techniques — such as working with the masseter, temporalis, and other jaw muscles through gentle external (and sometimes intra-oral) approaches — may help clients feel relief from tension, clicking or popping, and related headaches.

Intra-oral Massage for TMJ Discomfort

A TMJ-focused massage isn’t your typical full-body session. Sessions often begin with external techniques, gently working through the cheeks, temples, and neck to soften surrounding tension and encourage relaxation. Some wellness practitioners may offer intra-oral massage, a technique performed with a gloved finger inside the cheek. This allows direct access to deeper muscles that are difficult to reach externally.

While the idea of intra-oral massage might sound strange, many people find it to be a highly effective method for relieving jaw pain, reducing clicking or popping, and easing tension-related headaches. At Revelstoke Wellness, we have practitioners who are certified in TMJ treatments. These treatments can be added-on to any massage modality – simply consult with your practitioner at the time of booking

Tips for Managing TMJ Discomfort at Home

Massage may help ease some of the tension linked to TMJ discomfort, but at-home practices can also make a big difference in maintaining comfort over time.

There are small, supportive habits you can try at home to manage tension and reduce flare-ups between sessions:

• Practice mindful movement: Try gentle jaw stretches or exercises recommended by a qualified practitioner. These can help maintain mobility and reduce tightness over time. 
• Apply heat or cold: A warm compress can relax tense jaw muscles, while a cold pack may help if you’re experiencing inflammation or swelling.
• Be mindful of stress: Emotional stress often shows up in the body—especially in the jaw. Regular practices like deep breathing, yoga, or mindful journaling can reduce tension before it settles into your muscles.
• Limit chewy or crunchy foods: During flare-ups, soft foods may reduce strain on your jaw and allow inflamed tissues to rest and heal.
• Notice your posture: If you spend a lot of time at a desk or on a phone, try adjusting your workstation or taking breaks to stretch. Poor posture, especially forward head position, can worsen jaw tension.
• Practice self-massage: our wellness practitioners can demonstrate gentle stretches and relaxation techniques to support your care between sessions.

Of course, none of these are replacements for professional care, but they can help you feel more in control and more in tune with what your body needs.

Find TMJ Relief Through Massage Treatment in Revelstoke

If you’ve been living with jaw discomfort, tension headaches, or clicking in your jaw, know that relief is possible. Massage can play a supportive role in helping ease muscle tension and encourage relaxation.

At Revelstoke Wellness, Beth offers restorative, wellness-focused sessions designed to help clients feel more relaxed and at ease. If you’re curious about whether massage might support your TMJ wellness, we’d love to welcome you. Book a massage today and experience gentle, restorative care that prioritizes your comfort and overall well-being.

Disclaimer: Our practitioners are not registered massage therapists. The information provided here is for general wellness and educational purposes only, and should not replace medical advice or treatment from a licensed health professional.