Acupuncture for TMJ and Jaw Pain in San Francisco
Sore jaw muscles, clicking, headaches at your temples, or a jaw that's already tight when you wake up? We treat TMJ pain and clenching with gentle acupuncture, dry needling and hands-on work, alongside the care you get from your dentist.
Sound familiar?
- An aching jaw or pain just in front of the ear
- Clicking, popping or grating when you open your mouth or chew
- Waking with a tight jaw or sore teeth from clenching or grinding
What our patients say
5.0 on Google from 92 reviews
I was introduced to Andrew by a friend who dubbed him as nothing short of magical. After experiencing his expertise firsthand, I couldn't agree more. Andrew's mastery of the human body and its intricacies truly feels like a kind of magic. I've been to other specialists for my chronic upper back and neck pain, but Andrew is different. He focuses on treating the actual problem, not just masking the symptoms. For the first time, I walked out of an acupuncture session and went back to exercising without feeling any pain. It was a game-changer. I feel as if I've been given a brand new back. Honestly, I never thought a life without back pain was possible until now. While I was also working with Andew some other health issues came up that couldn’t be diagnosed by western medicine. His thoughtful and holistic approach immediately made me feel understood and valued. Throughout our sessions, he would patiently explain the various points he was working on or the sensations I was experiencing, shedding light on what was going on internally within my body. Thanks to him, I now have a deeper appreciation for how imbalances in one area can send ripples throughout the entire system. He was able to find the root cause, guiding me slowly but surely on the path to recovery. I feel blessed to have met Andrew, he really has changed my life and I’m grateful for that.
I would strongly (strongly!) recommend Acupuncture for Athletics for both athletes and non-athletes alike. Not only does Andrew help with injury recovery, pain management, and stress relief, but he creates a relaxing and positive environment that enhances the work that he does and leads you to feel better both physically and mentally after each visit. And beyond acupuncture and massage, Andrew goes the extra mile to provide guidance on how to address specific pain-points and injuries, or to simply ensure that you are feeling and performing your best. Again, I can't recommend Acupuncture for Athletics enough!
Andrew is amazing! Very caring and concerned about your health and well being. He genuinely is a very kind person.
I came to Andrew after nearly six excruciating months of not being able to run. I had a seemingly minor Achilles tendon injury that simply refused to heal, defying every modality I tried. I hoped Andrew, a specialist in sports injuries, could break the deadlock. The simple answer is that in three visits, I was running again, hardly able to believe my good fortune. The more complicated answer runs deeper. Andrew’s work doesn’t just address physical injury; he works on spiritual and emotional injury and stress too. I didn’t realize that my physical injury was bound up with emotional trauma, but he did, and he figured out how to disentangle them so the healing process could start. The process can be painful; emotional injuries that have lodged in your body have to work their way out through muscle and bone, like a physical illness. But it’s also both profound and unexpected. As another of Andrew’s clients said, he is a true healer.
I had a golfers elbow and my coach referred me to Andrew. He has been an amazing acupuncturist and worked on my right elbow, shoulder and arm for a couple of weeks. I have felt so much better just after the first session and going back really helps the blood flow so much better and my right arm, elbow and shoulder feels less tense and more relaxed. Definitely recommend this place, especially for athletes!
Andrew is the best. I’m a professional ballerina and his treatments helped me come back from a broken foot. When you see Andrew - you’re comforted by his knowledge, expertise, & strategy based treatment. Plus the clinic is so relaxing and warm. I have complete trust that he will help my aches and pains and keep me dancing for a long time.
There’s no one I trust more than Andrew to support my kids in their healing process if they’ve had a sports-related injury. As elite athletes, it’s so important that their knees, ankles and shoulders are well taken care of, and Andrew is our go-to for treatment of pain or injury and also guidance for best practices outside the treatment room to further help healing along. My daughter recently rolled her ankle and was ready for a painfully prolonged healing process when we took her into to see Andrew for a couple treatments before a tournament weekend. With his help, her recovery was amazing, allowing her to feel confident on her ankle. Thanks to Andrew, she was healthy enough to play without pain or exacerbating the injury. We are very grateful to have Andrew on speed dial when these types of injuries occur!
Andrew is a cornerstone of my care team. He successfully unwinds my ills before they can become chronic problems.
Andrew is fantastic! He is knowledgeable and provides specialized treatment for my chronic nerve pain. I highly recommend him.
Andrew is terrific. I saw him post shoulder surgery and it was very beneficial in getting pain free and full range of motion.
Andrew treated me over a period of about two years for hip and shoulder problems, and he was tremendously helpful. I was impressed with his knowledge and skill, not to mention wonderful “bedside manner” and especially his enthusiasm for staying current in his field.
I loved coming to Andrew. He was a lifesaver in helping me through some back issues when I was pregnant with my first child. A lovely, warm place and Andrew is amazing!!!!
Does this sound like you?
TMJ problems usually involve the jaw joint, the chewing muscles around it, or both. These are the signs people describe most.
If several sound familiar, an assessment will help us see whether your pain is mostly muscle tension, the joint itself, or a mix.
- An aching jaw or pain just in front of the ear
- Clicking, popping or grating when you open your mouth or chew
- Waking with a tight jaw or sore teeth from clenching or grinding
- Headaches at the temples, or ear pain with no ear infection
- Trouble opening wide, or a jaw that catches now and then
- Jaw tension that climbs when you're stressed or concentrating
What TMJ disorder is
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge in front of each ear that lets your jaw open, close and slide. When people say they "have TMJ", they usually mean a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD: pain and stiffness in the joint, the chewing muscles, or both.
It's more common than most people think. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates TMD affects about 5% of US adults and is twice as common in women. The exact cause is often unclear. Researchers point to a mix of genes, life stress and how your body processes pain, while a "bad bite" or past braces haven't been shown to cause it.
Stress plays a big part. Many of us clench our teeth while we concentrate, drive or sleep, and that constant load tires the masseter and temporalis muscles until they ache. If stress, anxiety or poor sleep are part of your picture, our page on acupuncture for stress and anxiety explains how we treat that side too.
Common contributors
- Clenching or grinding, by day or at night
- Stress, long screen sessions and deadlines
- Forward head posture and a tight neck
- Gum chewing, nail biting or very chewy foods
- A blow to the jaw, or a long dental appointment
- Arthritis in the jaw joint
- Poor sleep
Dentist, physical therapist or acupuncturist?
People with jaw pain search for all three, and each has a role. Here's where acupuncture fits, and why the best results often come from more than one of us.
| Compared on | Dentist or orofacial pain specialist | Physical therapist | Acupuncturist (us) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Diagnosis, teeth, bite and the joint itself | Jaw movement, posture and exercise | Muscle pain, tension and the stress behind clenching |
| Typical tools | Exams, imaging, night guards and splints, medication | Jaw exercises, manual therapy, posture work | Acupuncture, dry needling of the chewing muscles, craniosacral and hands-on work |
| Start here if | You have tooth pain, a changed bite, a locked jaw or worn teeth | Your jaw is stiff or moves unevenly | Your jaw muscles ache, you clench under stress, or other care has only helped partly |
Working alongside your dentist
We don't replace your dentist, and we'll never suggest changes to your teeth or bite. Keep wearing any night guard they've made for you. Some chiropractors also offer soft-tissue work for the jaw. Acupuncture sits comfortably beside all of these, and even UCSF Health lists acupuncture among the treatments it offers for TMJ disorders.
Who gets jaw pain
Jaw pain tends to find people who carry a lot of tension, whether that comes from work, training or a busy mind at night.
People we see most
Related problems we treat
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Neck pain and tech neck
- Tight shoulders and upper back
- Poor sleep from a busy mind
How we treat TMJ pain
We work on the sore jaw muscles, the neck and shoulders that feed tension into them, and the stress that keeps the clench going. Treatment is gentle, and most visits combine several of these.
- AcupunctureA few fine needles around the jaw and temple, plus points in the hands, neck and shoulders, to ease pain and help the jaw let go.
- Dry needlingInto tight trigger points in the masseter and temporalis, the main chewing muscles.
- Craniosacral therapyLight hands-on work around the head, jaw and neck. Suzanne is trained in craniosacral therapy.
- CuppingOver the neck and upper shoulders, where jaw tension often spreads.
- Scalp and ear acupunctureAli uses these when stress, anxiety or poor sleep are driving the clenching.
Who performs dry needling in California?
In California, dry needling is performed by licensed acupuncturists. Physical therapists in California are not currently authorized to perform dry needling. All three of our practitioners are California-licensed acupuncturists.
What the research says
Research on acupuncture for TMD is encouraging. A 2026 analysis of 19 trials with 708 patients found acupuncture reduced jaw pain and improved how wide people could open their mouths compared with control treatments, and sessions twice a week did better than once a week.
Earlier work points the same way. A 2010 review found acupuncture gave short-term pain relief compared with placebo. For dry needling of the chewing muscles, a 2019 review found it may help ease pain.
The NIDCR recommends starting with simple, reversible treatments and avoiding anything that permanently changes your teeth or bite. Acupuncture fits that advice well: it's conservative, low-risk in trained hands, and easy to combine with your dentist's plan.
In short
- Research is promising for jaw pain and opening
- Results vary from person to person
- It's a conservative, reversible option
- It works best alongside dental care and good habits
Your first visit and your plan
Allow about an hour for your first visit. How many sessions you'll need varies, and we'll give you an honest estimate after your assessment.
Assess
We ask about clenching, sleep, stress, headaches and your dental history, then watch your jaw open and close and feel the muscles of the jaw, temples and neck.
Treat
You'll lie comfortably on your back while we place a few fine needles near the jaw and in the hands, neck or shoulders. Plenty of people doze off.
Afterwards
Most people say the jaw feels looser and the face softer. The chewing muscles can feel a little tender for a day or so, so soft foods that evening are a good idea.
Build it back
We teach a few simple habits, like resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth with teeth apart, and space visits out as the clenching eases.
When to see a doctor or dentist first
Jaw pain is sometimes a sign of something that isn't TMD. Pain that spreads to the jaw along with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating can be a heart attack, as the NHS notes. Call 911 straight away.
The NHS also advises urgent care if jaw pain stops you eating or drinking, or comes with severe headaches or changes in your vision. A swollen face, a fever or a throbbing tooth points to a dental problem, so see your dentist first.
Once serious causes are ruled out, we're glad to work alongside your dentist or physician.
Get checked first if you have
- Jaw pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating (call 911)
- A jaw that's locked open or shut
- Jaw pain after a fall or a blow to the face
- Facial swelling, fever or a painful tooth
- Severe headaches or vision changes with jaw pain
Who'll treat you
Three California-licensed acupuncturists, all trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with different strengths for jaw pain. Andrew uses myofascial release and acupressure for jaw and neck tension, Suzanne is trained in craniosacral therapy and blends gentle bodywork with acupuncture, and Ali is trained in scalp acupuncture for stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Andrew Castellanos
L.Ac, CST · Clinic owner
Jaw, neck and temple tension, with myofascial work and acupressure.
- Myofascial release and acupressure for the jaw muscles
- His approach covers the physical and emotional sides of pain
Ali Hakimi
L.Ac
Scalp and ear acupuncture when stress or poor sleep drives the clenching.
- Trained in scalp acupuncture for stress, anxiety and insomnia
- Studied classical diagnosis with Dr. Suzanne Robidoux
- Diet and lifestyle guidance alongside treatment
Suzanne Lange
DACM, L.Ac, CMT
Gentle bodywork and acupuncture for a clenched, sore jaw.
- Trained in craniosacral therapy and somato-emotional release
- Myofascial and trigger point therapy training
- Japanese-style acupuncture and 20+ years of practice
Pricing and booking
TMJ treatment takes place in a standard session, and there's no special package to buy. If neck and shoulder tension are a big part of your jaw pain, the acupuncture and massage combo is often a good fit.
We don't bill insurance, but we provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards are accepted. We're on Webster Street, close by if you're looking for acupuncture in the Marina District.
Appointments
- 60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
- $225
- 45-min acupuncture follow-up
- $195
- 60-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $225
- 75-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $265
- 90-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $300
TMJ FAQ
Can acupuncture help TMJ?
Research suggests acupuncture can ease jaw pain and improve how wide you can open. It's most useful when tight chewing muscles and clenching are driving the pain. Results vary from person to person, and after your assessment we'll tell you honestly whether we think we can help and roughly how many sessions you may need.
Do you put needles in my face? Does it hurt?
Usually a few, near the jaw joint and temple, along with points in the hands, neck or shoulders. The needles are very fine and most people feel only a light pinch or a dull ache. If we dry needle a tight chewing muscle you may feel a brief twitch, and the area can be tender for a day.
Should I see a dentist, a physical therapist or an acupuncturist?
If you have tooth pain, a changed bite or a locked jaw, start with your dentist. Physical therapists are a good fit for stiff or uneven jaw movement. Acupuncture is a strong option for muscle pain and stress-related clenching, and many people do best combining two of these.
Can I keep wearing my night guard?
Yes. Keep following your dentist's advice. Acupuncture works on the muscles and the tension behind the clenching, and it doesn't change your teeth or bite, so the two fit together well.
Can acupuncture stop teeth grinding?
We can't promise it will stop grinding, especially at night. What it can do is relax overworked jaw muscles and help with the stress and poor sleep that often drive clenching, which many people find reduces the pain and morning tightness.
Will it help my headaches and ear pain?
Tight jaw muscles often cause temple headaches and an ache around the ear. When those are part of your TMD, they often ease as the jaw settles. If ear pain comes with a fever, discharge or hearing changes, see your doctor first to rule out an ear problem.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies with how long you've had symptoms and how much stress and clenching are involved. Visits often start weekly or a little more often and spread out as things improve. We'll give you an estimate after your first assessment.
What can I do at home?
The NIDCR suggests soft foods, heat or cold packs, gentle jaw exercises, over-the-counter pain relief if suitable for you, and cutting back on gum chewing and clenching. Notice when your teeth are touching during the day, and let them part.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. If your dentist or doctor has already assessed your jaw, bring along anything they've told you, and we're happy to coordinate with them on your care.
Where can I get acupuncture for TMJ in San Francisco?
We treat jaw pain, clenching and TMJ disorder at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow. Andrew Castellanos uses myofascial release and acupressure, Suzanne Lange is trained in craniosacral therapy, and Ali Hakimi uses scalp acupuncture when stress or poor sleep drive the clenching. Our care works alongside what your dentist is doing.
Can I walk over from Chestnut Street or the Marina?
Yes. We're a short walk from the Marina, on the Cow Hollow side, so a visit fits easily around time on Chestnut Street. If you're coming from the other direction, we're one block north of Union Street.
References
- Ning Z, et al. Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2026.
- La Touche R, et al. Acupuncture in the Treatment of Pain in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2010.
- Vier C, et al. The Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Patients with Orofacial Pain Associated with Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy. 2019.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).
- UCSF Health. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.
- NHS. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
- NHS. Heart Attack.
Ready to unclench?
Book an assessment at our Cow Hollow clinic, or call us to talk it through first.
Visit us in Cow Hollow
2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.
Address
Acupuncture for Athletics2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 Gate code: in your booking confirmation email
Hours
- Every day
- 7:30am – 9:00pm