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Specialized Massage Therapy for TMJD & Jaw Pain
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) is more common than people realize - and it can significantly impact your daily life. Jaw tension, clenching, headaches, difficulty chewing, or facial discomfort can all signal underlying TMJ dysfunction.
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Massage therapy offers a natural and effective approach to reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring balanced function in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
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Looking for full-body care or support beyond TMJ-focused treatment? Visit our Massage Therapy page to explore RMT services available at our Terra Nova clinic in Richmond, BC.
Understanding TMJD
TMJD may develop from:
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Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
Stress or emotional tension
Poor posture
Trauma or injury
Muscular imbalance​
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Symptoms can vary widely and often include:
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Jaw pain
Clicking, popping, or restricted movement
Facial tenderness
Ear pain or ringing
Headaches
Neck and shoulder tension
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If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone - TMJD affects many people, and massage therapy can help.
How TMJ Massage Helps
TMJ massage focuses on restoring balance to the muscles of the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders.
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Benefits may include:
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Reduced jaw pain and tension
Improved jaw mobility
Relief from tension headaches
Less clenching/grinding
Greater comfort with speaking, chewing, and daily activities
Nervous-system calming and stress relief
Meet Tom — Our TMJ-Focused RMT
Tom is a Registered Massage Therapist in Richmond BC, with advanced training in TMJ dysfunction (TMJD) and jaw-related conditions. After graduating from VCC as class valedictorian, he pursued additional training specifically in temporomandibular joint assessment, intra-oral techniques, and jaw pain treatment, allowing him to support clients experiencing teeth grinding, clenching, jaw tension, and headaches.
Before becoming an RMT, Tom worked as a Surgical Recovery Specialist with BC Transplant and the Trillium Gift of Life Network, and previously served on an elite Forward Surgical Team in the Army. His medical background developed a strong foundation in patient care, precision, and trauma-informed teamwork - qualities that continue to shape his therapy approach.
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Tom blends intra-oral and extra-oral TMJ techniques, gentle fascial work, and targeted muscle release with a grounding base in Swedish massage and passive stretching. His goal is to help reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and support long-term comfort for clients managing:
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TMJ dysfunction
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jaw tension or clicking
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headaches
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clenching and grinding
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neck and facial tension
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Tom is currently accepting new clients seeking TMJ massage in Richmond, with a focus on gentle, evidence-informed care that supports daily function and long-term recovery.
What to expect during your TMJ Massage Appointment
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A brief discussion about your symptoms and health history
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Gentle assessment of jaw movement and surrounding muscles
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A personalized TMJ-focused massage treatment
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Intra-oral work only with clear, ongoing consent
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Self-care suggestions for home (breathing, stretches, lifestyle tips)
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Your comfort and consent lead the way at every step.
TMJD can often be connected to neck mechanics, muscle tension, or stress. Our Physiotherapy and Acupuncture services in Richmond, BC in combination of TMJ Massage offers integrative care for these contributing factors.