What the buccal???

We’ve recently had a surge of questions about buccal massage—and we love how curious our patients are! This social media trend has now become widely popular in spas and even some RMT practices.

I recall first reading about buccal massage in a fashion magazine more than a decade ago. It was all the rage amongst celebrities prior to doing a photoshoot as it touted plumping up their facial features. Fast forward to present day, I'm seeing it promoted as treatment for TMD/TMJD, while also promising increasing collagen and reducing wrinkles... and I'm writing to say don't believe the hype! None of these claims are evidence-based.

This month, I'm breaking down the difference between what we do at From the Neck Up vs buccal massage and what you can expect from each.

Let’s start our TMD/TMJD intra-oral treatments at FTNU:

💆‍♀️ Intra-Oral Massage: Evidence-Based Care for TMJ Disorders

Intra-oral massage is a well-established, evidence-informed therapeutic technique. It targets the muscles most commonly involved in TMJ dysfunction: the medial and lateral pterygoids, masseter, and temporalis. It can also help with tongue, voice, swallowing, headaches and ear issues as well.

When used as part of a comprehensive approach to treating jaw pain, clicking, clenching, or headaches, intra-oral massage is supported by clinical research and is often recommended by dentists, physical therapists, pain specialists and physicians.

Our team of RMTs have over 100hrs of advanced training in treating this anatomical area - more than any other manual therapists in the province!

Benefits of intra-oral massage may include:

• Improved jaw mobility

• Reduced TMJ-related pain and clicking

• Decreased tension headaches and facial tension

• Support for long-term structural balance

If you’ve been diagnosed with TMD/TMJD, experience chronic clenching or grinding, or feel limited opening your jaw, this approach may offer meaningful relief.

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💆‍♀️ Buccal Massage: Aesthetic Trends with Temporary Effects

Buccal massage, which targets the inner cheeks and outer face with sculpting techniques (sometimes marketed as “natural face lifts” or “jaw sculpting”), has gained popularity in the beauty and wellness world. While it certainly feels good and can create short-term changes in facial appearance—like de-puffing or contouring—it's important to know that these outcomes are cosmetic and not clinically proven to create lasting structural change.

While buccal techniques can be enjoyable and relaxing, they aren’t intended to treat TMJ dysfunction, chronic jaw tension, or headaches.

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Here’s what we want you to know:✨ At From the Neck Up, we prioritize evidence-based care. That means we’ll always choose techniques that support your long-term wellness, not just surface-level aesthetics.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with a little self-care for self-care’s sake! But if you’re looking for results that support jaw health, function, and rehabilitation, intra-oral work with one of our RMTs is where the science—and the relief—is. 

To healthy jaws and balanced bodies,

🧡 The From the Neck Up Team

📷 Follow us on Instagram @fromtheneckupclinic for tips, reels, and updates