Do you wake up with a dull headache? Does your jaw click when you chew? Or maybe you notice yourself clenching your teeth during your commute down Yonge Street.
You might be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction.
It is often misdiagnosed as a "migraine" or "sinus pain," but the root cause is actually muscular tension in the jaw and neck.
At The Richmond Hill Spa, Dr. Amanda Chen specializes in intra-oral and external TMJ therapy to stop the pain at the source.
Self-Assessment Tool
Select any symptoms you experience regularly
The "Big Three" Muscles We Treat
Your jaw is one of the strongest joints in the human body. When these muscles get tight, they pull on your skull, causing massive headaches.
The Masseter
The big chewing muscle in your cheek. It is the strongest muscle in the human body (pound for pound). When tight, it causes toothaches and lower jaw pain.
The Temporalis
The fan-shaped muscle on the side of your head. Trigger points here feel exactly like a "tension headache" in your temples.
The Pterygoids
Deep muscles inside the mouth. These are the main culprits for that "clicking" sound.
What Does a TMJ Massage Feel Like?
It is different from a relaxation massage.
External Work
We massage the neck, shoulders, and face to relax the "anchor" muscles. This is gentle and similar to a standard facial massage.
Intra-Oral Work (Optional)
With a gloved hand, the RMT works inside the mouth to release the Pterygoid muscles directly. It sounds intense, but the relief is often instant.
Lifestyle Tips for Richmond Hill Residents
STOP: Chewing Gum
It overworks the Masseter muscle unnecessarily, reinforcing the exact tension pattern causing your pain.
START: "Tongue Rest Position"
Keep the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth (behind your front teeth) to naturally relax the jaw. Try it right now—feel the difference?
CHECK: Your Desk Ergonomics
If your monitor is too low, your head juts forward, which drags the jaw open and forces muscles to clench compensatorily.
About the Author
Dr. Amanda Chen, RMT
Lead Registered Massage Therapist & Clinic Director
CMTO #10248
Amanda holds advanced certifications in TMJ treatment and intra-oral massage. She has successfully treated hundreds of patients suffering from chronic migraines and bruxism.
Stop the Clicking, Stop the Pain
You don't have to live with daily headaches. Book a specialized TMJ assessment with Amanda Chen.
Book TMJ Therapy SessionDirect Billing Available — Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life