Aaron Allen
Licensed Massage Therapist
OBMT Lic# 16080
Chronic Headache & TMJ Massage Specialist
Helping clients with TMJD, Migraine and Chronic Headache find answers to their pain.
My online calendar is temporarily closed to new clientele at this time. Feel free to contact me directly via email, text or voicemail to request addition to my wait-list. Existing clients may continue to book via the "Schedule Now" link
Frequently Asked Questions:
Any questions not answered here, feel free to email me at the address below.
What type of massage services does Aaron offer?
As Portland's preeminent Headache Massage Specialist, Aaron works with the entire body, and tailors each session to the immediate needs of every individual. An Orthopedic Massage Therapist with proficiencies in Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, and Craniosacral Therapy, his specialties are in less practiced techniques such as Intra-oral Massage for the treatment of TMJ disorder. "I welcome clients with Low Back Pain, Shoulder, Elbow or Hand injuries, Ankles, Knees, Toes and Feet, but Headache and TMJ Pain Relief are why I'm known best. Find out why, book an appointment today!"
What can you do to help my Headache/TMJ Pain?
While our personal histories which lead to Headache and TMJ Pain are varied, the commonalities we find in the vast majority of cases are chronically inflamed Trigger Points (or "knots") in the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders, which refer pain into the forehead, temples, jaw and behind the eyes, and restrict range of motion throughout the region.
By expertly releasing these "knots" and increasing blood supply to the muscle tissue we can often reduce spasm and pain, providing relaxation and a more dynamic range of motion. Clients often experience significant relief in their very first session, remarking that it feels like we're getting at "the spot" responsible for their pain. Having experienced this work many clients find themselves capable of self care treatment strategies for these points.
What is Orthopedic Massage?
Orthopedics is the branch of health care which deals with the prevention or correction of injuries. As opposed to spa massage, orthopedic massage tends to focus on regions of the body experiencing pain or dysfunction, addressing them directly. An orthopedic session may also include well defined goals to ensure that your treatment produces results. Client goals may be as general as “relaxation” or as specific as “work at the computer for 3 hours without headache”. Orthopedic care often works best when there's a coordinated effort and communication between you, your doctors and your entire health care team.
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Many clients have preconceived notions when it comes to Deep Tissue Massage. Deep Tissue Massage simply means we aim to effect even the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue in order to address restriction there.
Is Deep Tissue Massage Painful?
Deep Tissue Massage despite common misconception never needs to hurt, and when performed skillfully is tailored to the comfort level of every client. A good rule of thumb is that massage should always feel both safe and effective to you the client, and the vast majority of people find deep tissue massage incredibly relaxing.
What is TMJ/TMJD/TMD?
The TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint, is located where our jawbone (Mandible) articulates with our skull (Temporal bone). The TMJ has unique demands for movement compared to any other joint in the human body, and clients may suffer headache, pain with chewing, popping, clicking, locking and/or tinitus when its function is disordered. TMJD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, and more recently the convention among Dentists has been a shortening to TMD.
What is Intra-oral Massage?
The only way to directly access the Medial and Lateral Pterygoid muscle group is with a gloved hand inside of the clients mouth. To reach these muscles your therapist slides one finger along the outside of your upper row of teeth into the muscles of the inner cheek. Most clients immediately recognize these areas as relevant or familiar to their pain, and are relieved to have them addressed directly.
What is Myofascial Release?
(pronounced myo-fash´e-al) Myofascial Release is the application of specific compressive and stretching forces to muscles and connective tissue in order to release restriction, restore circulation, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
What is Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger points or “knots” in our muscle tissue are localized areas of chronic inflammation which occur in predictable patterns, and often refer pain to areas of the body distant to the affected muscle group. Trigger Point Therapy involves direct pressure to the "knot" in order to improve local circulation, reduce noxious stimulation to the central nervous system, and diminish muscle spasm and pain.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
(pronounced kra″ne-o-sa´kral) Craniosacral Therapy utilizes light touch to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, relax, refuel and recover), and unwind myofascial restrictions gently. It can be very helpful for anxiety, stress and/or sleep disorders, and is perfect for when clients find deep tissue techniques to be overly direct.
