This treatment is particularly effective for individuals experiencing:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Bruxism (teeth clenching)
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
- Tension headaches
- Oral-facial pain or discomfort
By addressing muscular restrictions both intraorally and externally, buccal massage can help relieve pain, improve range of motion, and support optimal alignment and function of the jaw, neck, and surrounding structures.
Clinical Benefits
- Reduces tightness (hypertonicity) in the muscles of mastication and muscles of facial expression
- Supports the management of TMJ dysfunction
- Alleviates tension-related headaches
- Improves mobility and range of motion inside the mouth
- Helps relieve symptoms associated with bruxism (jaw clenching)
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage in the face and jaw
- Enhances circulation in facial soft tissues
- Helps improve forward head posture
- Decreases the buildup of scar tissue
Contraindications
Buccal massage may not be appropriate under certain conditions. Please avoid treatment if you are experiencing or have had any of the following:
- Botox or dermal filler injections within the last 3 weeks
Note: Treatment after this period may still accelerate the breakdown of injectable products
- Use of topical retinoids (e.g., Retin-A, tretinoin) Must be stopped 10 days before treatment
- Use of strong chemical exfoliants (e.g., glycolic acid, salicylic acid) Must be stopped 10 days before treatment
- Use of medications that thin the skin (e.g., corticosteroids, Accutane, blood thinners)
- Presence of severe acne in the treatment area
- Active infections in the mouth, sinuses, or eyes
- Recent facial or jaw surgery (wait at least 6 weeks before treatment). This is including tooth extractions
- Cold sores or active herpes outbreaks
What to Expect During a Session
Each buccal massage session is customized to your needs, focusing on relieving muscular tension, releasing fascial restrictions, and supporting overall craniofacial function. Your session may include:
- Lymphatic drainage techniques to encourage fluid movement in the face
- Myofascial release for the face and scalp (note: no oil is applied to the scalp)
- Targeted facial massage to address specific areas of tension
- Intraoral massage using gloved hands to access and treat internal muscle structures
- Manual therapy for the neck and cervical region to address associated tension
- Optional use of tools such as blades or facial cups, when clinically appropriate
Please Note:Makeup will not be removed during your session. For optimal comfort and results, clients are encouraged to arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.
