02/06/2026
Understanding your pain matters!
One of our favorite things to do with clients is help you understand how the body works and how massage can support healthier movement and function.
We work with the four major muscles that control jaw movement, along with the supporting muscles that influence stability and coordination. Two important muscles in that system are the lateral pterygoid and the medial pterygoid.
The lateral pterygoid helps guide the jaw forward and assists with opening and side to side movement. Part of this muscle connects to a small cushioning structure inside the jaw joint that helps movement stay smooth. When this muscle holds too much tension, the jaw can begin to feel less coordinated.
The medial pterygoid supports jaw closing and stability. It works with other jaw muscles during chewing and clenching to keep movement controlled and balanced.
When these muscles and their supporting partners are not working well together, the jaw can feel tight, fatigued, or strained.
Education is a key part of understanding jaw tension and creating a thoughtful and effective approach to care.