TMJ Massage & Jaw Pain Relief in San Diego

TMJ massage at most practices means working the masseter and jaw muscles from the outside only. Toni and Estrella are trained in intraoral massage — meaning they work the pterygoid muscles and surrounding structures from inside the mouth with gloved hands, reaching the primary drivers of TMJ dysfunction that external massage simply cannot access. This is the same approach used in advanced physical therapy and orofacial pain clinics, and it produces results that surface-level jaw massage cannot replicate. Combined with neck, suboccipital, and upper shoulder work to address the full tension chain, a TMJ session at PBTM is comprehensive in a way that is genuinely rare in San Diego.

• Jaw pain and tightness on one or both sides

• TMJ clicking, popping, or locking

• Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)

• Tension headaches originating at the temples or jaw

• Ear pressure, ringing, or fullness related to jaw tension

• Neck and upper shoulder tension connected to jaw dysfunction

• Facial pain and tightness

• Restricted mouth opening

• Post-dental work soreness and jaw fatigue

• Stress-related jaw holding patterns

• Intake and assessment — your therapist reviews your symptoms, duration, and any dental or medical history relevant to your jaw

• Neck, shoulder, and upper back work — releasing the surrounding tension chain that feeds into TMJ dysfunction

• Extraoral jaw massage — working the masseter, temporalis, and surrounding facial muscles from the outside

• Intraoral massage (with Toni or Estrella) — gloved hands working the pterygoid muscles and internal jaw structures that are the primary source of TMJ dysfunction

• Suboccipital release — base of skull work that directly affects jaw tension and headache patterns

• Aftercare guidance — jaw stretches, heat or cold application, and habits to reduce clenching between sessions

You have jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or tension that you suspect originates in your jaw or face. You've tried other approaches without lasting relief. You're open to intraoral work and want to address the issue at its root. Not for: Clients with active oral infections, recent jaw surgery, or dental implants in areas that would be contacted during intraoral work. Always inform your therapist of your full dental and medical history before a TMJ session. Intraoral work is available with Toni and Estrella only — if you prefer extraoral-only work, any of our therapists can address jaw tension from the outside.

New Client Intro Session 60 Min — $79 | 90 Min — $109 | 120 Min — $139

Standard Rates 60 Min — $105 | 90 Min — $155 | 120 Min — $205

Membership Rates 60 Min — $90 | 90 Min — $130 | 120 Min — $175

Members also receive 15% off all additional sessions booked that month.

No special preparation needed. If you have a night guard or splint, mention it during intake. Arrive hydrated. After: Your jaw may feel tender or unusually relaxed after a TMJ session — both are normal. Avoid hard, chewy foods for 24 hours. Apply gentle heat to the jaw if soreness persists. Practice any stretches your therapist recommends. Most clients notice significant improvement within 1-3 sessions, with cumulative benefit from regular work.

TMJ massage is contraindicated for clients with active oral infections, open wounds in the mouth or jaw area, recent jaw fractures, or acute TMJ inflammation. Intraoral work requires informed consent and is only performed by Toni and Estrella. If you have had recent dental surgery, jaw reconstruction, or have concerns about intraoral work, contact us before booking and we will advise on the appropriate approach.

• Advanced Pain Relief Massage: Full-body pain relief session — jaw and neck tension can be addressed as part of a broader pain relief session.

• Athletic Recovery & Performance Bodywork: For active individuals whose jaw and neck tension is connected to training load and postural patterns from sport.

• Nervous System Reset Massage: Chronic jaw clenching is often driven by a dysregulated nervous system. A reset session addressing full-body stress patterns can meaningfully reduce the baseline tension that drives TMJ dysfunction.