Ok! Prepare yourself. This may be weird, but like we keep telling our clients, so beneficial! When most people think of massage, they imagine relaxing on a table while we are working on the back, shoulders or feet. BUT did you know that some of the most powerful relief can come from working inside the mouth? This magical technique, known as intraoral massage, can be a game changer when you are dealing with jaw pain, headaches, and tension.
What is Intraoral Massage?
Intraoral massage is a modality that involves working the muscles inside the mouth. I'm talking about the muscles involved in chewing, talking, clenching, and other jaw movement. These muscles are the deeper structures Before I talk about the benefits or how we even work these muscles, these are the main muscles we will be focusing on:
- Masseter the strongest muscle in the body
- Pterygoids only muscles that move your jaw side-to-side
- Temporalis fan-shaped, sits right over your temples and helps close your jaw
Are you starting to open and close your mouth to try and feel these muscles? It's ok. Me too. Working these muscles is focused and incredibly effective for conditions that originate in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding tissues.
Who is this for?
Honestly, I haven't met any one this wouldn't provide relief for. Absolutely, there may be situations where this would not be the right modality to help someone. Intraoral work may provide relief and release tension for a variety of conditions, such as:
- TMJ dysfunction (TMD)
- Chronic jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Headaches and migraines
- Sinus tension and congestion
- Neck and facial pain
- Post-dental procedure discomfort
- Voice strain or tension (for singers, teachers, etc.)
We have had many clients come in frustrated after trying multiple medications or treatments for jaw or headache issues. Sometime the true root of their pain is deep, internal tension that traditional massage alone can’t reach.
What to Expect During a Session
I know that receiving Intraoral work may sound intimidating, but our many clients that have given us permission or asked for this work have found it to be deeply relieving. A few things to expect:
- Glove use: For hygiene and safety, we always wear medical gloves during intraoral work.
- Communication: We will ask for feedback about pressure and comfort levels throughout.
- A multi-angle approach: Going back to how we work the body as a whole, intraoral will be combined with external techniques on the face, head, neck, and shoulders to provide overall tension relief.
Becky's Perspective
As a massage therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how intraoral work can transform a client’s comfort level. It’s one of those techniques that often brings immediate results, especially for clients struggling with some of the conditions I mentioned above.
What I love most about intraoral massage is how it:
- Addresses root causes of pain, not just symptoms
- Offers clients relief they may not have found through other therapies
- Complements other techniques and modalities
This technique may seem simple and like any one can do it. It is essential that we as massage therapists have proper training and certification, as the tissues inside the mouth are delicate, and the work must be precise.
What to do After Intraoral Work
To support the jaw in continuing to relax, I usually recommend clients:
- Stay hydrated
- Apply a cold pack gently to the jaw area if there’s any residual soreness
- Practice jaw relaxation techniques (like placing the tongue lightly on the roof of the mouth and letting the jaw hang loose)
- Be mindful of clenching teeth
Final Thoughts
I know, Intraoral massage may be a bit outside the box, but for many clients, it offers real relief for that stubborn jaw and facial tension. Think about asking for it next time you come in if you’ve been dealing with headaches, TMJ pain, or tightness that just won’t quit. Let's try this focused technique that might be the missing link to your healing.
Until next time, Becky
