Fix TMJ, Jaw Tension, and Headaches

I have a client who clenches her teeth at night, and almost every time she walks into my office she announces,

“Julia, I need you to FIX MY FACE!”

It always makes me laugh — but underneath the humor is a very real issue. Jaw tension, facial pain, and chronic tightness in the face and neck are incredibly common, and they’re often far more impactful than we realize.

For a long time, face and scalp fascia felt like the last frontier in my work. I’ve always known that fascia surrounds everything in the body, but pressing a lacrosse ball into your forehead and hoping for the best isn’t exactly a great strategy.

After a lot of research, experimentation, and working with clients who deal with TMJ, headaches, and neck pain, it became clear that facial fascia requires a more nuanced approach. Less force. More precision. And a much deeper understanding of how the jaw, neck, face, and nervous system are connected.

Why face and jaw fascia matter

The fascia of the face, jaw, scalp, and neck is directly connected to the rest of the body. Tightness or dehydration here doesn’t just stay localized — it often shows up as headaches, jaw pain, neck tension, and even symptoms like ear pressure or difficulty fully relaxing.

Key areas like the SCMs (sternocleidomastoid muscles), occipital region, masseter muscles, and platysma play a huge role in how tension is distributed through the head and neck. When these tissues become restricted, they can contribute to clenching, TMJ discomfort, limited neck mobility, and poor lymphatic drainage.

Because this area is so densely packed with nerves, blood vessels, and lymph pathways, even small changes can have a big impact.

What facial fascia release can support

When done thoughtfully, fascia release for the face and neck can help with:

• Relieving headaches and head pressure

• Improving TMJ symptoms and jaw pain

• Reducing jaw tension and the effects of teeth clenching

• Decreasing neck pain and upper cervical tension

• Supporting lymphatic drainage and circulation in the head and face

• Improving the overall look, tone, and hydration of the skin

I’ll be honest — I’ve never been particularly interested in fascia work purely for aesthetic or vanity reasons. There’s so much more depth to this system than surface-level appearance. That said, I can’t ignore the fact that whenever I do facial fascia release for myself, people comment on how refreshed, relaxed, or “glowy” my skin looks.

If better circulation, lymph flow, and reduced tension happen to improve how your face looks and feels? I’m not mad about it.

Learn how to do this for yourself

The best part about this work is that it doesn’t require constant professional intervention. With the right guidance, you can learn how to work with your own facial fascia safely and effectively, whenever you need it.

If you want to learn a simple, impactful routine you can use at home, I’m teaching a “Fix My Face!” facial fascia release class. You’ll learn how to address jaw tension, support lymphatic flow, and relieve neck and head tension using gentle, targeted techniques.

The class is available as a recording, so you can move at your own pace and revisit it anytime.

Your face is already perfect — but a little less jaw tension looks good on you too.

• Can facial fascia release help with TMJ and jaw pain?

  Yes. TMJ and jaw pain are often influenced by tension and restriction in the fascia surrounding the jaw, neck, and face. Fascia release can help reduce jaw tension, improve movement of the jaw, and calm the surrounding tissues that contribute to clenching and discomfort.

• Can facial fascia release help with neck pain and headaches?

  Absolutely. The fascia of the face, jaw, scalp, and neck is deeply interconnected. Restrictions in one area often contribute to tension elsewhere. Releasing key areas like the SCMs, occipital region, and jaw can help reduce neck pain, ease headaches, and improve overall head and neck mobility.

• Does face fascia release support lymphatic drainage?

  Yes. We have so many lymph nodes in the neck! When they become compressed or restricted by the surrounding fascia, our head suffers less blood flow, drainage capabilities, and detox abilities. Facial fascia release can support lymph flow in the face and neck by reducing restriction and improving tissue hydration. Better lymphatic drainage may help reduce puffiness, improve circulation, and support overall tissue health.

• Will this help improve wrinkles or skin appearance?

  While facial fascia release is not a cosmetic treatment, many people notice improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall appearance. Increased blood flow, improved hydration, and better lymphatic drainage can contribute to a more refreshed and relaxed look over time.

• Is it safe to fascia release on my own?

  Facial fascia release can be safe when done gently and with proper guidance. Because the face and neck contain sensitive nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes, techniques should avoid excessive pressure. Learning appropriate methods helps ensure the work supports relaxation, circulation, and tissue health rather than creating irritation.