How to Ask for the Work You Loved — Or Heard About
Understanding My Head, Face, and Jaw Massage Offerings
A common question I hear from clients after a session is:
“How do I ask for this kind of face and jaw work again? It was perfect.”
Or:
“I heard you're a specialist in jaw pain, headaches, or even relaxing and aesthetic facial massage—what should I book?”
As my work in neck and craniofacial (head + face) massage has become more specialized, I’ve had lots of conversations with clients trying to clarify what they’re looking for—and how to describe what I actually offer.
To make it easier, I’ve grouped my work with the face and head into three main categories or goals. Think of them like primary colors: you can pick just one, or blend them together to create a session just perfect for you.
1. Structural Pain Relief
"Take away this headache." "My jaw hurts."
"I can’t open my mouth without pain or clicking."
This is where I put on my clinical hat. These sessions are focused on relieving pain and dysfunction: jaw tension, ear ringing, limited range of motion, or pre-dental treatment fear. I use advanced techniques like neuromuscular therapy, trigger point work, and myofascial release—tools I’ve studied in-depth and taught to other massage therapists.
Expect little to no lotion on the face, and very targeted work. This will always include intraoral massage to address the tension or imbalance on large and small muscles that influence the TMJ (jaw joint) or tongue.
If pain relief and improving jaw function is your goal, I’ll also want you to enroll in one of my video courses to learn practical action to do at home. You can start with my free video lesson, link at the bottom of this blog.
2. Aesthetic Facial Massage
Also known as Buccal or Intraoral Facelift Massage
This is the work people are starting to request by name, though it’s often misunderstood. My aesthetic-focused session uses firm, sculpting massage inside the mouth (intraoral) along the inner cheeks, lips, and jawline. Think of buccal massage as addressing the mimetic muscles, meaning those muscles that do facial expressions. I combine this with facial cupping, gua sha, and lymphatic drainage to boost circulation and reduce facial tension.
This “natural facelift” may leave you with a temporary lifted and refreshed look, wider eyes, and a soft glow—while still being therapeutic.
In this session, I use a generous amount of coconut oil to prevent cupping marks and allow the tools to glide smoothly.
Learn more about this full service here and see some before and after photos.
3. Relaxing & Flowing Facial Work
"I just want to relax—and maybe relieve a little tension."
These are the dreamy, intuitive sessions where I get to blend my skills in a gentle, rhythmic way. You might still get some light lymphatic drainage or basic facial cupping (if you request it), but this session is more about calming your nervous system and releasing tension without deep pressure.
Think of this as a bliss-out facial massage that’s still doing important therapeutic work under the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions Around Facial Massage:
Why are you working so much on my scalp?
That’s the temporalis muscle, a powerful jaw closer and clencher. It is found just above your temples and in the hairline area and is often overlooked in facial work. When it’s tight or has trigger points, it can contribute to headaches and limit how wide your jaw opens. Addressing it can make a huge difference in jaw comfort and mobility.
Do I need to be having jaw pain to benefit from this?
Not at all. While I specialize in pain relief, facial and intraoral work can be deeply beneficial even if you're just holding stress in your face or clenching at night. Many clients come for maintenance, aesthetic benefits, or as part of a self-care routine.
Can you help with facial asymmetry or tension from past dental work?
Yes. Dental work, injuries, or habits like clenching can create imbalances over time. I often work with clients post-dental treatment or those noticing one side of their face feels “tighter” or moves differently.
What should I expect after a session?
You may feel a sense of lightness, improved range of motion, less facial tension, or even sinus fullness relief. Occasionally, people feel sore (like a good workout) or even emotional release if we've worked deeply on long-held tension. Hydrating and gentle movement afterward helps.
Can I combine facial work with a longer massage?
Absolutely. If you'd like to combine jaw/facial massage with neck, shoulders, or back work, let me know. We can create a customized session that addresses multiple areas in one appointment. Read this blog comparing customizing your massage session to ordering tacos or coffee.
Why are you working on my neck so much if my jaw hurts?
Because it’s all connected! The muscles that stabilize and move your jaw often involve the neck, throat, and even shoulder muscles. Releasing these areas can reduce referred pain and help your jaw move more freely.
How can I keep this relief going between sessions?
The work we do in-office can create big changes, but lasting relief often comes from small, consistent habits at home. That’s why I created an online course that teaches simple, effective techniques—like self-massage, stretching, and posture tips—to support your jaw, head, and neck. It’s like having a guided session you can revisit anytime. If you're interested, I’m happy to point you to the version that fits your needs best.
Let me know if you'd like help deciding which category—or combination—would be best for you. You don’t have to know all the terms. You can simply say, “I loved what we did last time,” or “I’m looking for something that helps with both tension and appearance.” I’ve got you.