TMJ vs TMD: What’s the Difference, and How Massage Can Help

If you've ever said, "I have TMJ," you’re not alone. It's one of the most common things we hear from clients coming in for jaw pain. But here's the thing — everyone has TMJ! TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and it's just the name of the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull — like how your shoulder connects your arm to your body.

Saying "I have TMJ" is a little like saying, "I have shoulder." (Well, yes, of course you do!) What most people mean when they say that is they are experiencing TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction — or simply put, something isn't working right with the jaw joint.

So what is TMD, really?

TMD covers a variety of issues, like:

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Clicking or popping sounds when chewing or yawning

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

• Headaches

• Neck or ear pain

• Numbness or tingling in the face

• Even tooth pain without a dental cause

  
  

It can be caused by many things, including stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), injuries, arthritis, or postural imbalances.

How Massage Therapy — Including Intraoral Massage — Helps

At Hive Recovery Collective, our Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are trained in techniques specifically aimed at relieving TMD symptoms. One of the most effective treatments we offer is intraoral massage. (Don’t worry — it’s not as scary as it sounds!)

Intraoral massage involves working inside the mouth, with gloved hands, to access and release the muscles that are hard to reach from the outside. These are small, powerful muscles like the masseter and pterygoids that often hold a lot of tension — especially if you clench or grind your teeth.

We also combine this with work around the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders to address all the tension patterns contributing to your discomfort.

Benefits you might notice after a TMJ-focused massage session:

• Reduced jaw pain and tightness

• Fewer or less intense headaches

• Better range of motion (opening and closing your mouth feels easier!)

• Relief from numbness or tingling in the face or jaw

• Less overall tension in the neck and shoulders

  
  

What to Expect During a Session

We always start with an assessment and discuss your symptoms and comfort level. Many can be treated externally using just jaw and face massage techniques, but for some we may need to go one step further and do some massage on the muscles inside the mouth and jaw. If intraoral massage is appropriate, we’ll explain the process before getting started, using clean, gloved hands. Your comfort and consent are the top priority throughout the session.

Our clients notice immediate relief after just one session, although we highly recommend a series of treatments combined with home care recommendations. This gets clients the most benefit and longest lasting results.

You Don't Have to Live With Jaw Pain

If you're dealing with headaches, jaw tension, clicking, or unexplained facial pain, massage therapy — including intraoral work — might be the key to feeling better. At Hive Recovery Collective, we’re here to help you heal, relax, and get back to living fully (and maybe even chewing that big bite of sandwich without pain!).