Masticatory muscle massage

Relaxation for bruxers and stress-relief

What is a masticatory muscle massage and who is it for?

A masticatory muscle massage focuses on the muscles of the face, jaw, and neck. This massage is designed specifically for you if you suffer from:

  • Tension in the masticatory muscles
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Pain or stiffness in the jaw area
  • Headaches that are felt in the temples or forehead
  • Neck and shoulder tension related to jaw tension
    Tension of the masticatory muscles during the day often causes unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, for many people.
  • A massage helps to relax these muscles and relieve the discomfort they cause.

How do you prepare for a masticatory muscle massage?

There is no special preparation required for this style of massage. You can come to the treatment just as you are! Before starting the massage, the massage therapist will go over your symptoms and wishes with you.


Masticatory muscle massage involves treating the biting muscles both externally on the face and inside the mouth. Internal treatment is always done with disposable gloves, and it is an effective way to access deeper tension.In addition, the cervical spine and the base of the skull are treated, as they are often connected to tension in the masticatory muscles. Depending on the length of time reserved, the treatment can be combined with a massage of a wider area, such as the shoulder area and back.

Why do the masticatory muscles hurt? The most common causes of jaw tension

Stiffness in the jaw and masticatory muscles is surprisingly common. There can be many reasons:

  • Stress: Many of us clench our jaws tightly together in stressful situations, often without realizing it. This can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding) and muscle stiffness.
  • Tooth position or bite errors: They can cause an imbalance in the bite and thus overload the muscles.
  • Work habits: For example, long periods of time in front of a computer can cause tension in the muscles of the face and head.

Constantly tensing the masticatory muscles during the day can cause many people to experience pain, such as headaches and neck and shoulder pain.


How does masticatory muscle massage help?

Massaging the biting muscles is an effective form of treatment because it directly affects the tense muscles. The muscles of the face and jaw area can be deeply relaxed by massaging the biting muscles. Treating the muscles in the mouth area effectively releases tension that may not be released with traditional massage.

Massage has many positive effects:

  • Relieves pain and stiffness in the jaw area.
  • Relieves headaches and tension in the neck and throat area.
  • Improves the mobility of the temporomandibular joint.
  • Provides comprehensive relaxation to the face and head area.

Massage of the masticatory muscles can significantly relieve pain in the head and jaw area.

Why choose Balancia’s masticatory muscle massage in Helsinki?

At Balancia, you get an expert and individual masticatory muscle massage. We employ trained massage therapists who thoroughly know the anatomy and function of the chewing muscles. Thanks to the expertise of our massage therapist, you will receive the most effective possible treatment for your symptoms.

Summary: Remember these!

  • Masticatory muscle massage is a special massage for the jaw, face and neck area.
  • It effectively helps relieve pain conditions such as headaches, jaw pain and tension in the neck and shoulder area.
  • The treatment is performed on both the face and the inside of the mouth to achieve the best results.
  • The massage helps relax the masticatory muscles and reduce symptoms.

Book appointment and give yourself relief from tension!

FAQ – frequently Asked questions

Massage for the muscles of mastication targets these muscles as well as those influencing their function in the face, head, neck, and shoulder areas. Treatment typically involves working on the muscles from both inside and outside the mouth; however, if intraoral treatment causes discomfort, the muscles can be massaged superficially instead.

Depending on the duration of the scheduled appointment, the session may also include massage of other areas, such as the back.

Masticatory muscle massage can be beneficial if, for example, you suffer from:

  • jaw tension
  • clenching or grinding of teeth
  • facial muscle tension
  • headaches
  • tightness in the neck and shoulder area
  • fatigue or a feeling of stiffness in the jaw

Each session is always tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

You may experience momentary tenderness during the treatment, especially in tense muscles, but the treatment does not need to be painful to be effective.

Please let us know how the treatment feels while it is in progress. This allows us to tailor the treatment specifically to your needs.

In principle, yes, but it is not essential.

Intraoral treatment is just one possible component of masticatory muscle massage, and it is not performed without the client’s consent. In many situations, a good outcome can be achieved without intraoral treatment as well.

It depends on the duration and severity of the symptoms.

For some, a single visit is sufficient, whereas a course of a few visits may be recommended for long-standing issues. During the appointment, we will assess your situation and, if necessary, provide recommendations for further care.

Temporary muscle soreness and fatigue may occur after the treatment. These sensations are usually transient. Some individuals—such as those suffering from severe tension-type headaches or migraines—may experience a headache following the treatment, though this typically resolves quickly.