Jaw tightness is common—especially if you clench, grind, or sit forward at a screen. This short routine relaxes the main jaw muscles (masseter and temporalis) and can ease everyday tension.

Before you start

Sit tall with relaxed shoulders.
Wash hands; trim nails if needed.
Optional: apply a tiny bit of face oil or lotion.
Warm the area with a warm towel for 30–60 seconds.
If you’d rather unwind first, a calming Swedish Massage in Tysons Corner can help you release overall stress before self-massage.

Step-by-step jaw massage (4–8 minutes total)

1) Masseter (cheek area)

Gently clench to feel the bulge between cheekbone and jaw—then relax.
With 2–3 fingertips, make slow circles over that muscle for 30–60 seconds per side.
Glide your fingers from the corner of your mouth toward your ear 3–4 times.
If you find a tender spot, hold gentle pressure for 10–20 seconds while breathing slowly.

2) TMJ hinge (in front of the ear)

Place two fingertips just in front of the ear canal.
Make tiny circles for 20–30 seconds per side.
Slowly open and close your mouth within a comfortable range as you do this.

3) Temporalis (side of head)

Place fingers above the ear on the fan-shaped muscle.
Make light, slow circles for ~30–45 seconds per side. Avoid pressing near the eye.

4) Jawline sweep (for comfort & drainage)

Using your knuckles or thumbs, sweep from the chin along the lower jaw toward the ear.
Light to moderate pressure, 3–5 slow passes per side.

5) Gentle mobility

Finish with slow mouth opening/closing and side-to-side movements (10–15 seconds).
Movements should feel easy—stop if you feel sharp pain or locking.

How often?

During flare-ups: 1–2 times daily.
For maintenance: 3–4 times per week.

What it should feel like

“Good pressure” that gradually eases.
It should not feel sharp, burning, or produce lingering pain. If it does, reduce pressure or stop.

Extra help (if tension runs into neck & shoulders)

If your jaw tightness comes with stubborn neck/shoulder knots, a focused Deep Tissue Massage in Tysons Corner can release trigger points that keep pulling on the jaw. For flexibility and stretch-based relief, many guests prefer Thai Massage to open up the chest, neck, and hips—often easing clenching habits indirectly. You can also compare options on our Services page.

Quick do’s & don’ts

Do: breathe slowly, sit tall, go slowly, treat both sides.
Don’t: press so hard you bruise, rush through tender spots, or work directly into painful joint clicks.

When to get help

See a dentist, physical therapist, or TMJ-trained massage therapist if you have jaw locking/catching, severe or persistent pain, very limited opening, or symptoms that don’t improve after a couple of weeks.