Unclenching the Jaw
TMJ Dysfunction
Relief for jaw pain, clicking, and tension headaches caused by clenching and grinding.
Understanding TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a painful condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. It's often caused by stress-induced clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), or misalignment. The pain can be sharp and localized in the jaw, or it can radiate, causing earaches, toothaches, and severe headaches. At Shepherd's Touch, we offer specialized intra-oral and extra-oral massage to treat TMJ. We work directly on the muscles of mastication (chewing) to release the incredible tension held in the jaw, providing relief that a night guard alone cannot offer.
The masseter muscle (in the cheek) is, pound for pound, the strongest muscle in the human body. When you clench your teeth due to stress or habit, this muscle can exert hundreds of pounds of force. Over time, this creates trigger points in the masseter and temporalis muscles. These trigger points refer pain into the teeth, the ear, and the temples. Simply wearing a night guard protects your teeth, but it doesn't stop the muscles from clenching. Our therapy addresses the muscles themselves. By releasing the tension in the jaw, neck, and head, we can restore proper jaw function and eliminate the source of the pain.
Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area
Locking of the jaw joint
Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening the mouth
Headaches, especially in the temples
Our Therapeutic Approach
We don't just chase symptoms. We use targeted modalities to address the source of
your tension.
Intra-Oral Massage
With a gloved hand, we work inside the mouth to access the medial pterygoid and other deep jaw muscles that cannot be reached from the outside. This is often the key to releasing chronic TMJ lockjaw.
Masseter Release
We use precise friction and compression on the cheek muscles to release trigger points. This softens the 'knots' that cause clenching and reduces the referral pain to the teeth.
Temporalis Therapy
The fan-shaped muscle on the side of your head (temporalis) is a major jaw closer. Releasing tension here is crucial for treating tension headaches associated with TMJ.
Neck & Shoulder Integration
Jaw tension never exists in isolation. We also treat the neck and shoulders, as tight neck muscles often pull the jaw out of alignment, contributing to the dysfunction.
Ready to Find Relief?
You don't have to live with jaw pain or the constant headaches that come with it. Our specialized TMJ therapy offers a non-invasive, effective solution to unclench your jaw and restore comfort. Whether your TMJ is caused by stress, injury, or habit, we can help you find relief and get back to eating, talking, and smiling without pain.
New Client Relief Special
$49 $85
60-Minute Targeted Massage
Direct relief for the tight muscles and locked joints that keep stealing your mobility.
Wellness Screening
We don’t guess. We map out how your muscles, posture, and habits are fueling pain — so we address the source.
Pain Relief Roadmap
Gives you a simple plan so the relief lasts — not just a quick fix.
*Limited availability. Valid for first-time local residents of Cochise County.
103 Turquoise St, Bisbee, AZ 85603
(520) 346-0584
License: MT-28731
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