Curtis Foote, LMT

03/12/2026

The Connection Between Jaw Tension and Neck Pain

The muscles that control chewing—the masseter and temporalis muscles—are closely connected to the muscles of the neck. So jaw tension can be felt in not just your jaw, but your neck too!

That’s why when you are feeling neck stiffness, you can also be experiencing symptoms of TmJD, jaw tenderness, clicking, or headaches!

That’s why I prefer to address both areas together with intraoral massage and gentle work around the jaw, temples, and the base of the skull as well as working the muscles of the neck. I find that it reduces neck tension way more effectively than focusing on just the neck alone.

I offer intraoral massage as a treatment option for my clients, and can treat jaw tension that can be leading to neck pain as well as TmJD symptoms.

To book a massage call or text me at (360) 561-4484

03/04/2026

What’s the Difference Between Soreness and Pain?

Not all discomfort is the same.

Muscle soreness—like what you feel after a new workout—is usually dull, achy, and improves with movement. This is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and typically resolves within a few days.

Pain, however, can be sharp, burning, tingling, or radiating. That may indicate nerve involvement or injury. For example, tight glutes can create aching in the hip, but nerve irritation may send pain down the leg.

Trigger points are another common source of confusion. These are hyper-irritable spots in muscle that refer pain elsewhere—like a knot in your shoulder causing a headache.

Understanding the difference matters. Soreness often responds well to massage and movement. Sharp or radiating pain may need further evaluation before bodywork.

If you’re unsure what you’re feeling, a professional assessment helps determine the safest and most effective approach.

Your body communicates clearly—we just have to learn the language.

03/03/2026

Where Do You Carry Your Stress?

Most people don’t realize stress has a physical address in the body.

For many, it settles in the upper trapezius (those muscles between your neck and shoulders), the jaw, the hips, or the lower back. When stress hormones like cortisol rise, muscles subtly contract as part of the body’s protective response. If that tension isn’t discharged through movement or relaxation, it lingers.

Over time, this low-grade contraction becomes your “normal.” Shoulders creep toward your ears. You clench your jaw while driving. Your hips tighten from bracing.

Massage helps interrupt that cycle. By manually working into those chronically contracted tissues, we improve circulation, signal safety to the nervous system, and allow muscles to lengthen. Often clients say, “I didn’t realize how tight I was.”

The body keeps score. The good news? It also responds beautifully to consistent care.

If you’re not sure where you carry stress, pay attention today. What feels tense right now? That’s your starting point.

I am available to come to you and help relieve your stress. Give me a call at (360) 561-4484 to set up an appointment today.

06/23/2025

Hi everyone! I’m back! After a brief hiatus I’m coming back and doing mobile massage. I am available in the afternoons starting at 3:30, and I’ll be bringing all of the relaxation, pain relief, and alleviation of tension in the comfort of your home!

I’m offering a 1 hour massage for $125, and a 90 minute massage for $165! Message me to set up a time for me to come out to you!

11/09/2024

Intra oral massage is the gentle manipulation of the internal muscles of the jaw. It is successful in treating TMJD, showing results immediately. It can also help with tension headaches, reduce teeth grinding, and jaw clenching.

Intraoral massage can be included with any massage, or you can sign up for a 30 minute session.

You can book an appointment online or send me a message!

Curtis Foote, LMT massage services in Olympia WA. “We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.” ~Laura Stavoe Harm.

10/29/2024

I have recently added more options for massage, and have openings for Wednesday November 6th!

Send me a message or make an appointment online at

https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/curtis-foote-lmt?src=external

11/30/2023

Me and David Tennant! This was one of my favorite gifts I got for Christmas!

You know what else makes a great gift? A massage! Christmas is coming and I have gift certificates available!

Call or text for more info or to get yours!
(360)561-4484

11/16/2023

I recently added Intraoral massage to my available services! Intraoral massage has been unbelievably helpful to people suffering from TMJD. If you suffer from this disorder you already know how difficult it can be to chew, or to talk, or some days, even open your mouth! For people I have been fortunate enough to use these techniques on, it has been a game changer. It takes about 10-15 minutes and is available for no charge at the end of any massage. Come and see if I can give you some relief!

Curtis Foote, LMT massage services in Olympia , WA. “We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.” ~Laura Stavoe Harm

10/24/2023

I unexpectedly have some openings available on Sunday Oct 29! I have space for both 60 and 90 minute massages. Send me a PM if you’d like to secure a spot!

07/20/2023

I’ve had the privilege to work with some amazing birthing parents! I have developed skills that don’t just provide relief from aches and pains of pregnancy and postpartum, but that also help my clients find connection. Through the last year, my clients and I have worked together to release tensions and aches, but we have also found grounding and connection to their bodies and to their pregnancy. If that’s something you are looking for, I want to help you too!

To book with me, call or text me @ (360)561-4484, or to book online, visit my massage book:

Curtis Foote, LMT massage services in Olympia , WA.

04/21/2023

I’m here at Ewe and I in Chehalis until 5 today! Come by and get massage and then stop and get a coffee or lunch from Shona’s Food Company!!

04/11/2023

I have space for one 60 minute massage in Olympia on Thursday 4/13 at 8:30am.

Send me a message if you want to claim that spot!