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TMJ & Jaw Tightness Release: Soft Tissue Therapy in OC & Lake Elsinore

Tiffany Sandoval

Updated: Feb 24

TMJ  and Migraine Relief Massage OC
Neck Pain Relief in OC & Lake Elsinore Book Your Appt .

Are You Struggling with TMJ and Jaw Pain?

If your jaw clicks, locks, or aches when you chew, yawn, or talk, you're not alone. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction affects athletes, professionals, and anyone dealing with stress, poor posture, or muscular imbalances. Chronic jaw pain isn't just uncomfortable—it can lead to headaches, neck tension, and even difficulty eating.


Why Does TMJ Pain Develop Over Time?

Jaw pain isn’t just about the joint itself—it stems from muscular dysfunction throughout the face, neck, and even the upper body. Everyday stress, repetitive movement, posture issues, and past injuries can all contribute to ongoing pain and tension.


Primary TMJ and Jaw Pain Muscles:

Buccinator – Supports jaw movement and facial expressions.

Digastric – Affects jaw and throat tension.

Lateral Pterygoid – Assists in jaw opening and lateral movements.

Masseter – Primary chewing muscle often associated with TMJ pain.

Medial Pterygoid – Connects jaw function to neck tension.

Orbicularis Oculi – Supports facial tension and movement.

Platysma – Influences neck and jaw tension.


Supporting Muscles Affecting TMJ Pain:

Soleus – Contributes to overall postural alignment affecting the jaw.

Splenius Cervicis – Supports neck stability.

Sternocleidomastoid – Affects head and neck movement, linked to jaw function.

Suboccipital Group – Controls head positioning, influencing jaw alignment.

Temporalis – Assists in closing the jaw and grinding movements.

Trapezius – Supports neck and upper back, impacting jaw tension.

 
Headache and Migraine Relief Massage  Lake Elsinore
Where is Your Pain ?

How Soft Tissue Therapy Resolves TMJ and Jaw Pain

At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to TMJ pain relief through:

  • Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT): Targets trigger points to release chronic tension.

  • Myofascial Release: Loosens tight facial and jaw muscles for improved movement.

  • Lymphatic Drainage: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

  • Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST): Enhances flexibility and relieves strain on the jaw and neck.

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Therapeutic techniques targeting neck muscles

How Soft Tissue Therapy Provides Long-Term Relief for TMJ & Jaw Pain

At Elite Recovery Sports Therapy, we use a specialized combination of techniques to address the root cause of TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain.


💪 Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)

  • Releases trigger points that refer pain to the jaw and face.

  • Reduces muscle tension that contributes to clenching and grinding.

  • Improves nerve function to prevent recurring TMJ discomfort.


🩸 Myofascial Release

  • Loosens tight fascia that compresses jaw-related nerves and restricts movement.

  • Restores proper blood flow to reduce jaw tension and pain.

  • Enhances postural alignment to prevent strain on jaw-supporting muscles.


💉 Lymphatic Drainage

  • Reduces inflammation that can trigger chronic jaw pain.

  • Detoxifies the body to eliminate built-up toxins that contribute to muscle tightness.

  • Enhances immune function to support long-term jaw health.


💪 Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST)

  • Increases flexibility in the jaw, neck, and shoulders to relieve TMJ-related tension.

  • Decompresses joints to relieve nerve irritation affecting the jaw.

  • Improves circulation for faster recovery from TMJ pain and dysfunction.

 

Self-Release Technique for Jaw Pain

  1. Place two fingers just below your cheekbone (masseter muscle).

  2. Apply gentle circular pressure for 30 seconds.

  3. Slowly open and close your mouth while maintaining light pressure.

  4. Repeat on the other side.

This technique can provide short-term relief, but professional therapy is essential for long-term results.


Self Release Resources Videos


6 Effective Jaw Release Exercises - Ask Dr. Abelson
SCM Self Release How To Video
Self Lymphatic Drainage

TMJ self-care: Temporalis muscle stretch and self-massage techniques

 

Your Pain Didn’t Happen Overnight—Here’s Why You Need a Treatment Plan

TMJ pain doesn’t develop overnight, and a single session won’t provide lasting relief. True healing requires ongoing treatment to break down tension and retrain muscle function.


Why You Need a Package Instead of Individual Appointments:

  • Progressive relief that lasts

  • Addresses root causes, not just symptoms

  • Improves posture, jaw alignment, and muscle function

  • Priority booking & discounted rates



 

Don’t Let Pain Control Your Life—Book Your Appointment Today!


Don’t let TMJ pain control your life. Get expert care at Elite Recovery Sports Therapy in Lake Elsinore & San Juan Capistrano.

 

FAQs:

: What does a session look like? 


: How many sessions do I need to see improvement? A: While some clients feel relief after one session, we recommend a treatment package for long-term pain management.


: Can TMJ therapy help with headaches and ear pain? A: Yes! TMJ dysfunction often causes headaches and ear pain due to muscular tension and misalignment. Releasing these muscles provides significant relief.


: What makes Elite Recovery different? A: We offer a multimodal approach using Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, and FST to provide comprehensive pain relief and improved mobility.

 
Lake Elsinore Massage
Tiffany Sandoval with Elite Pain Relief specializing in Medical Sports Massage Practices in OC & Lake Elsinore CA.

Tiffany Sandoval

Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. I specialize in soft tissue therapy for professional and youth athletes, post-surgery recovery (shoulder, hip, and knee), and mobility restoration, using neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and FST to optimize performance, accelerate healing, and prevent injuries.  Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.



Why Choose Elite Recovery Sports Therapy?

  • Over 13 years of experience in neuromuscular therapy

  • Convenient locations in Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano

  • Personalized care to help you achieve pain-free living



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