2-HOUR IN-OFFICE TMJ & JAW NEUROMUSCULAR EVALUATION AND HANDS ON ASSESSMENT

1.Comprehensive Health History & Fascial System Review
• Client Intake: Gather a full history of:    
   *Dental work (orthodontics, surgeries, appliances
   *History of jaw trauma, clenching/grinding, facial injuries
    *Symptoms such as jaw pain, neck pain, tension headaches Sleep quality, breathing patterns, and chronic oral habits (e.g., nail biting, mouth breathing, gum chewing)
• Fascial Considerations: Educate on how restrictions in the fascial system, especially through the neck, jaw, and head can influence posture, muscular tension, and jaw mobility.  

2. TMJ Anatomy & Functional Overview: Review the structure and motion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including:
• Key structures: Mandibular condyle, articular disc, temporal bone
• Involved musculature: Masseter, temporalis, medial/lateral pterygoids, digastric, suprahyoid group, platysma
• Movement patterns: Observe and assess opening/closing, lateral movement, and protrusion. Note quality, smoothness, and presence of deviation or asymmetry.  

3. Neuromuscular Influences on TMJ Function:
• Identify muscular habits and patterns that may contribute to dysfunction:
   *Low or forward tongue posture Open-mouth rest posture or lip incompetence.
   *Chronic overuse of accessory muscles (e.g., SCM, mentalis, platysma)
   *Muscle tension patterns originating from neck and upper thoracic structures.
   *Evidence of tethered or restricted soft tissue affecting mobility (to be referred out for further evaluation if needed)

4. Range of Motion & Muscle Assessment
• Measure Functional ROM:    
   *Track measurements of: Mouth opening (comfortable vs. max).
   *Lateral excursion (side to side)
   *Jaw protrusion  
•Palpation Techniques (as tolerated):
   *Extraoral: Masseter, temporalis, SCM, suprahyoids.
   *Intraoral (gloved and consented): Medial/lateral pterygoids, floor of mouth.
•Muscle Mapping:
Note any:    
   *Trigger points or tenderness    
   *Restrictions or hypertonicity    
   *Imbalance between sides  

5. Review of Treatment Plan & Home Education
• Manual Therapy Objectives:    
   *Reduce muscular hypertonicity    
   *Improve fascial glide and circulation    
   *Restore neuromuscular coordination of jaw movements
• Therapist-Guided Home Program May Include:    
   *Self-massage techniques for jaw and neck.    
   *Postural awareness (jaw rest position, relaxed tongue position).    
   *Gentle breathing retraining (nasal, diaphragmatic focus).    
   *Movement-based cues to discourage clenching and bracing patterns.
• Collaboration & Referral Network: When appropriate, coordinate with dentists, ENTs, bodyworkers, or other professionals for integrated care (e.g., orthodontic support, airway concerns, sleep language pathologist, etc.)
•Review of cost for recommended treatment plan.
• This session is also designed to help determine what further treatment may be needed and whether common trigger points are contributing to your TMJ pain.

IN-OFFICE 90-MINUTE TMJ MASSAGE

Relieve tension. Restore function. Reconnect with comfort.

This specialized 90-minute massage is tailored for individuals experiencing symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD), such as jaw pain, headaches, limited mobility, or clicking and popping in the jaw. TMJ massage targets the soft tissues that influence jaw mechanics to help reduce pain, enhance mobility, and improve overall function.  

Here’s what a typical session includes:
• Grounding & Breathwork: We begin with gentle breathwork and cradling of the base of the skull to calm the nervous system and create a sense of safety and relaxation.
• Neck & Upper Back Massage: Swedish techniques and gentle stretching are applied to the neck and upper back to release superficial tension and prepare the body for deeper work.
• Facial, Buccal & Scalp Massage: Extraoral massage addresses facial muscles, buccal (cheek) tissues, and the scalp to soften holding patterns and relieve strain.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Deeper work targets trigger points in the upper back, neck, jaw, and head to reduce referred pain and muscular knots.
• Intraoral Massage: With gloved hands, we access the inner cheeks, masseter, medial and lateral pterygoids, floor of the mouth, and tongue to release deep tension and improve muscle function.
• Closing: The session ends with cooling gua sha rollers, a soothing scalp massage, and nasal breathing to bring the body back into a relaxed, parasympathetic state.

Every session is fully customized to your unique presentation and goals. Whether you're dealing with chronic TMJ dysfunction or recovering from an acute flare-up, this therapeutic approach addresses the muscular imbalances and tension patterns contributing to your symptoms.

TONGUE THAI MASSAGE
75-MINUTE INTEGRATED PRE AND POST FRENECTOMY BODYWORK   

Tongue Thai Massage: Integrated Pre and Post Frenectomy Bodywork.  

• Tongue Thai Massage is a unique, therapeutic service designed specifically for individuals undergoing a tongue tie release (also known as a lingual frenectomy). This specialized approach blends intra-oral massage, traditional therapeutic massage, and Thai bodywork to support the body before and after surgery.  

Pre-Release Support:
Before a tongue tie release, the goal is to prepare the oral and fascial tissues for optimal results.
Sessions may include:
• Intra-oral massage to improve tongue mobility and reduce restrictions.
• Thai massage techniques to address compensation patterns and whole-body tension.  
• Fascial release to help create space for more effective healing.  

Post-Op Recovery Care:
After release, the focus shifts to healing and reintegration, helping the body adjust and thrive.
Post-operative care may include:  
•Targeted massage for the jaw, neck, and shoulders •Thai massage techniques to rebalance the body and support nervous system regulation.
•Gentle scar tissue massage to support mobility in the tissue.

Timeline for appointments:
• First Session:1-7 days prior to the release.

• Second Session:1-3 days post release.
*Please note: No intra oral work will be completed during this time during your session to allow proper healing and prevent irritation..

• Third Session:1-2 weeks post release.
*Please note: If you still have a healing oral wound, no intraoral massage will be performed during your session to allow proper healing and prevent irritation.

• Fourth Session: 3-4 weeks post release.
*Please note: If your wound has fully healed, we’ll incorporate gentle scar tissue massage into your session to support mobility in the tissue.

The importance of receiving full bodywork after a release is completed:
Muscles “remember” the positions and movements they were used to before the surgery. After the tongue tie is released, it may take time for the muscles to adapt to the new range of motion and properly adjust to the improved tongue function. Until this adjustment occurs, the muscles can continue to behave as if they were still restricted. This includes muscles throughout the entire body!

THAI MASSAGE 

Thai Massage is an ancient healing practice that combines acupressure, assisted stretching, and rhythmic compression along the body’s energy lines, also known as “Sen” lines in traditional Thai medicine.

Unlike Western-style massage, Thai Massage is typically performed on a floor mat with the client fully clothed, and no oils or lotions are used.  

This technique uses a blend of passive yoga-like stretches, joint mobilization, and deep, targeted pressure applied with the hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and even feet.

The goal is to improve flexibility, release muscular tension, stimulate circulation, and balance the body’s energy system.  

Benefits of Thai Massage:
• Enhances range of motion and joint mobility
• Reduces physical and emotional tension
• Improves posture and body alignment
• Boosts circulation and lymphatic flow
•Supports relaxation and nervous system regulation

Whether you’re feeling stiff, fatigued, or simply need to reset, Thai Massage offers a deeply grounding and revitalizing experience that supports both body and mind.