Clinically informed holistic
massage for the face, head + neck

TMJ DYSFUNCTION | FACIAL TENSION | HEADACHES + MIGRAINES

Welcome!

I am so glad you’re here!

Through years of experience and training, I have seen how deeply TMJ dysfunction can affect daily life. I have also experienced it myself. The anxiety, disrupted sleep, jaw clenching, clicking or popping, headaches, and constant muscle tension.

These symptoms take a real physical and emotional toll. But relief is possible.

Healing is never one size fits all. Every new client receives a thorough clinical assessment, and each session is customized to support your unique body, symptoms, and goals.

The key is an integrated approach. I combine evidence based, clinical care with skilled therapeutic techniques in a calming environment that supports your nervous system. Care also continues beyond the session through education and personalized home care so you can create meaningful, long term change.

If you are ready to reduce pain, release tension, and support the long term health of your jaw, head and neck, you can book a new client assessment to get started. ♡

Massage Services

Hi, I’m Regan

Licensed Massage Therapist • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant • Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist

Originally opened in 2014 as Opal Massage, Innate Balance has evolved over the years into the specialized practice you see today. Over the past few years, I have fully specialized in treatment for the jaw, face, head and neck, with a strong focus on TMJ dysfunction and related symptoms. My work integrates my clinical training as a Physical Therapist Assistant with skilled, therapeutic massage and myofunctional therapy principles to support lasting change.

My first exposure to TMJ dysfunction was in my twenties, when I worked as a dental assistant and saw patients coming in with jaw related pain and symptoms. Later, when I experienced TMJ symptoms myself, it gave me some perspective on how limited treatment options can be. That awareness stayed with me as my professional path continued.

During my time as a PTA, I gained a deeper understanding of TMJ dysfunction through clinical training and mentorship from physical therapists who specialized in this area. As my interest grew, I pursued extensive education in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction and headaches, face and intraoral massage, and myofunctional therapy. I also discovered the quiet magic of face massage—not just as a therapeutic tool, but as a powerful way to calm the nervous system and bring a deep sense of inner quiet and ease.

I have completed well over 1,000 hours of specialized training in treating TMJ dysfunction and continue to refine my skills through ongoing education, mentoring, and collaboration with dentists, PTs, chiropractors, and myofunctional therapists. My approach blends clinical reasoning with skilled manual techniques and myofunctional therapy to create individualized treatment and home care plans that support both immediate relief and meaningful, long term improvement.

Learn more about me

What is TMJ?

TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joint — two small, intricate joints in front of our ears that work together as a unit and connect our lower jaw to our skull. As synovial joints, like our shoulders and knees, the TM joints work hard every day, helping us eat, speak, swallow, sing, kiss, and communicate through facial expressions.

TMJ Disorders: conditions affecting the TMJ, chewing muscles, and related structures. An estimated 65% of people will experience symptoms during their lifetime; it’s most prevalent from the ages of 20-50, and is more common in women.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Pain in jaw and surrounding area
Clicking and popping
Clenching, grinding day or night
Fatigue or pain when chewing
Headaches
Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain
Tinnitus, ear pain or fullness
Limited range of motion
General facial tension and fatigue

woman lying on back receiving jaw massage

Massage therapy is highly effective at managing TMJ-related symptoms, as most TMJ disorders stem from an imbalance in the muscles. Tight muscles put stress on the structures of the joint — releasing that tension allows the joint to function properly once more. Massage also reduces pain, increases circulation, decreases swelling, and calms the nervous system.

Treating TMJ symptoms with massage isn’t just about working the physical muscles. Massage’s calming effect enhances the mind-body connection and increases body awareness, so you easily notice when holding tension and then can let it go, reducing symptoms inside and out.

What causes a TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorders have many contributing factors, but some major causes are:

Stress
Clenching and grinding
Overuse
Posture
Neck issues
Trauma
Hypermobility

Other treatments

A collaborative approach is best for TMJ disorders — using different methods of care as appropriate. Most people benefit from a conservative treatment plan, as well.

In addition to massage therapy, other types of care are recommended for long-term change:

Homecare exercises
Physical therapy
Myofunctional therapy
Dental care
Acupuncture
Chiropractic care
Osteopathy

I use a combination of massage techniques on the jaw, face, scalp, and neck to treat TMJ disorder and ease pain and tension. Intraoral massage allows a deeper release of the jaw and facial muscles. Everyone is unique, so your first appointment will include a comprehensive intake to assess your goals and needs. That lets me fully customize your treatment to you.

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• Kind Words •

Jeanine on Google

“I've been seeing Regan for several months now for headaches and neck pain related to my TMJ. If you suffer from jaw pain just book the appointment! My headaches are gone. My jaw and neck haven't felt this relaxed in forever.”
Alex

“Regan is always warm, welcoming, and open. The biggest thing that sets her apart is that she truly cares about making you feel better. She will listen to everything you say, and communicates exactly the best way she can help you.”
Gabby on Google

“[Regan] is incredibly knowledgeable on the muscles and specific techniques to help relax the muscles and it’s been a massive game changer in my journey in helping find relief with my TMJ.”
Rachel on Google

“Each session is the perfect balance between doing the work & calming the nervous system. She manages to unlock tricky to describe places in the face, head, and neck, resulting in a balance that is noticeable and lasting.”
Jae on Google

“Regan's intuitive touch and deep understanding of the body's energy points work wonders. Each stroke is deliberate, releasing tension and promoting relaxation. The massage is more than just physical; it's an emotional and spiritual journey.”
Ann

“I’ve been getting massages from Regan for years, and I don’t go to anyone else! She is professional, caring, and skilled. I feel comfortable letting her know what I need.”
Peggy

“She is always attentive to my requests and listens carefully as I describe my concerns and then addresses them with just the right amount of pressure in the problem areas.”