This review is specifically for TMJ massage, and even more specifically for TMJ massage performed…read moreby Jodee.
I've had TMJ disorder since high school and, as I've aged, the flare-ups have gotten much worse--and way more frequent. My dentists over the years haven't been incredibly helpful; the only thing they really offer is a nightguard, which I basically wear until I gnaw holes through it. Rinse, repeat. Looking for more proactive solutions, I tried Botox--it offered relief, but not lasting relief. And it was EXPENSIVE.
I've always loved massage, and I'd heard rumors of the slightly scary-sounding "intraoral" TMJ massages. I was shocked that no one local offers TMJ massage (or at least, don't advertise it). After expanding my search, I finally found the Salt Cave, 55 minutes away. Figuring it couldn't hurt to try, I emailed the Salt Cave and Jodee responded right away.
I would travel to the ends of the earth for the relief that Jodee has given me. I haven't had a real TMJ flare-up since I've started seeing her, and I've been seeing her for about four months now. The miracles she has worked on my jaw are seriously ... well, miraculous. I'm no longer constantly massaging a swollen, painful cheek, or feeling that pop when I open my mouth too wide. Even after the first visit I noticed a seriously impressive difference. I'm more cognizant of my posture, my stress levels, and my face in general.
Not only is Jodee amazing at TMJ massages, and not only is the pricing very reasonable for the amount of relief she provides. Jodee just also happens to be a darn sweetheart. These may not be the supremely relaxing spa massages we're used to falling asleep in, you may have to participate, and you even get homework, but I leave Jodee each time feeling energized, invigorated, and physically stronger than when I walked in. Jodee makes fun chitchat, checks in with you on comfort levels, and above all listens to you and your body.
An example: one visit, I had recently suffered the worst migraine of my life, brought about by changing medications, high humidity, and PMS. I let Jodee know that I would likely have more jaw tension because of this ... and she went to town on my neck, working the specific muscles that were still screaming, while still not neglecting my jaw. She even educated me on the areas I can massage myself, and loaned me a neck-training device to see if it would help. She gets no money from that; I wouldn't be buying such a device from her. She's just that caring and kind, and genuinely wants to help people feel the best that they can.
Jodee's a healer. And I didn't know that TMJ was something that could be healed or even improved, until I met her. Grateful for her every single day, and can't wait to see her again.