Ear, Nose & Throat Coping Massage Therapy for TMJ Pain By Cathy Wong Updated on May 04, 2023 Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Print Massage therapy may offer some relief for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (a condition commonly referred to as TMJ syndrome or TMJ). Marked by pain and stiffness in the jaw, face, and neck, TMJ affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the side of your skull. By using massage on the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint, TMJ patients may be able to lessen pain and ease TMJ symptoms. Astra Production / Picture Press / Getty Images The Science Behind TMJ and Massage To date, few studies have looked at massage's effectiveness in the treatment of TMJ. However, the available research has yielded some positive findings. In a 2003 report, for instance, researchers surveyed 192 TMJ patients about their use of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of TMJ. Of all the therapies reported, massage was rated as the most common (as well as one of the most helpful). In a 2007 survey of 126 TMJ patients, meanwhile, participants ranked massage as one of the most effective self-care strategies for both relieving and controlling pain. Several other small studies have tested massage's effects on TMJ pain. For example, a 2009 study of 15 patients found that receiving massage on the lateral pterygoid muscle (a muscle involved in opening the jaw) helped soothe pain, reduce joint clicking, and increase mouth-opening. Using Massage While massage may be of some benefit to people with TMJ, no type of massage therapy can be recommended as a principal treatment for this condition. Strategies such as applying hot and cold packs to the affected area may also offer TMJ relief, while alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback show promise as natural TMJ treatments. It's crucial to address common triggers like teeth grinding, stress, and behavioral factors (such as excessive gum chewing) in the treatment of TMJ. If you're experiencing TMJ symptoms (such as jaw stiffness, pain, soreness, clicking, and popping), make sure to consult your physician. In addition to prescribing TMJ treatments to pair with massage and/or self-massage, your physician can check for any underlying health problems (such as arthritis) possibly contributing to your TMJ pain. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Debar LL, Vuckovic N, Schneider J, Ritenbaugh C. Use of complementary and alternative medicine for temporomandibular disorders. J Orofac Pain. 2003;17(3):224-36. Riley JL, Myers CD, Currie TP, et al. Self-care behaviors associated with myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain. J Orofac Pain. 2007;21(3):194-202. Barriere P, Zink S, Riehm S, Kahn JL, Veillon F, Wilk A. [Massage of the lateral pterygoid muscle in acute TMJ dysfunction syndrome]. Rev Stomatol Chir Maxillofac. 2009;110(2):77-80. doi:10.1016/j.stomax.2008.05.010 Additional Reading Capellini VK, de Souza GS, de Faria CR. "Massage therapy in the management of myogenic TMD: a pilot study." J Appl Oral Sci. 2006 Jan;14(1):21-6. PubMed Health. "TMJ Disorders". January 2010. By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit