Conditions We Treat
Massage for TMJ & Teeth Grinding (Jaw Clenching) in NYC
TMJ pain, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding can create a cycle of tension that affects far more areas of the body than just the jaw. Our licensed medical massage therapists specialize in releasing the deep muscular and fascial patterns that drive TMJ dysfunction—helping you reduce pain, improve jaw mobility, and break the clenching-grinding cycle.
- Available in FiDi & Midtown West – open 7 days a week
Causes
What’s Going On With TMJ Pain & Jaw Clenching?
- TMJ issues are extremely common: 60–70% of people show signs of dysfunction, and 5–12% develop symptoms that require treatment (StatPearls–NIH 2023).
- They often stem from and interrelate to a mix of jaw tension, neck strain, shoulder guarding, forward head posture, and restricted rib or breathing mechanics.
- Clenching and grinding worsen with stress; daytime tension patterns set the baseline for nighttime bruxism.
- Common symptoms include headaches, ear pressure, facial tension, jaw clicking, limited opening, and difficulty chewing.
- Past impacts to the head/jaw and migraines can also contribute.
At Bodyworks DW, we treat the entire jaw–neck–shoulder–rib–arm chain to restore mobility and release the tension patterns that keep the jaw locked in dysfunction.
Related conditions: See also our Headaches & Migraines, Neck Pain, and Shoulder Pain pages.
How we treat
How Bodyworks DW Treats TMJ, Teeth Grinding & Jaw Clenching
The lateral and medial pterygoids, two of our 4 jaw muscles, can only be accessed and worked on from inside the mouth. These are often completely locked and immobile in TMJ clients and releasing them can be profoundly impactful. Anatomy Plate (Gray’s, 1918)
Whole-Body Evaluation
We assess jaw mobility, neck rotation, breathing patterns, shoulder elevation, rib mechanics, posture, and forearm tension to understand the full pattern driving your TMJ symptoms.
Targeted Myofascial & Deep Tissue Work for Relief
Session 1 includes work on masseter, temporalis, SCM, scalenes, suboccipitals, upper traps, diaphragm, and forearm flexors/extensors—reducing the global tension that continually feeds jaw strain.
Intra-Oral TMJ Work (Optional, With Consent)
This is one of our most effective TMJ interventions. Many of our therapists are trained directly by David through his Head, Neck & Jaw CEU course, which teaches safe and precise intra-oral techniques rarely offered elsewhere in NYC.
- Always optional with explicit consent
- Performed with non-latex gloves
- Usually 5–8 minutes at the end of the session
- Pressure is very light but can feel intense due to sensitivity of the pterygoids
- Can provide profound and immediate relief
Progressive Plan That Builds on Each Session
As tension decreases, we reintegrate jaw mechanics with the neck, ribs, shoulders, and even arm and forearm patterns to support lasting change.
What to Expect
A Progressive Plan
Session 1
Release neck, jaw, and shoulder tension; decompress upper cervical tissues and integrate rib and breathing mechanics.
Sessions 2–4
Reduce bracing through the jaw, neck, ribs, and shoulders while improving jaw tracking and overall movement symmetry.
Sessions 5–8+
Reinforce whole-body alignment—jaw, neck, shoulders, ribs, spine, hips, and feet—to help maintain reduced clenching frequency and prevent recurrence.
Ready to start feeling better?
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Care
Home Care That Helps Between Sessions
We’ll teach simple, effective strategies such as:
- Jaw resting position awareness
- Tongue-to-palate relaxation drills
- Gentle masseter and temporalis self-release
- Non-forced breathing resets
- Shoulder blade mobility and rib expansion work
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Pricing & wellness wallets
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No prepay—card on file to hold; pay after your session.
New here? Choose “New Client Massage” when booking to get $25 off your first visit.
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60 minutes
$160
/ with Senior Therapist
90 minutes
$230
/ with Senior Therapist
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch
Is massage safe for TMJ pain?
Yes. TMJ-related tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders responds extremely well to targeted medical massage.
Is intra-oral work required?
Not at all. It’s always optional. When appropriate and with consent, it can be one of the most effective tools we offer for TMJ relief.
Is intra-oral work with an LMT's scope of practice in NYS?
Yes. Under NYS Title VIII licensure (see NY Board of Education FAQ #30), massage therapists can provide intra-oral massage as a standard treatment when working with the muscles involved in TMJ.
Do I need imaging or a doctor's release before receiving massage?
No. Under NYS Title VIII licensure (see NY Board of Education FAQ #28), massage therapists can assess whether your symptoms are safe for massage. We refer out only when necessary.
What makes Bodyworks DW’s approach different?
We address the entire jaw–neck–shoulder–rib chain—and our therapists are uniquely trained through David’s Head, Neck & Jaw CEU course, which includes advanced intra-oral techniques rarely offered in NYC.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients notice improvement in 1–3 sessions, with long-term changes developing through 5–8 sessions.
Are there precautions for whiplash massage?
Yes. Acute jaw inflammation, dental procedures, active infection, or certain medical conditions may require modified pressure.
Full list: NYS Massage Therapy Precautions