Intraoral Therapy Provides Relief for Chronic Shoulder Pain

A decade-long struggle with shoulder pain finally finds an answer in a surprising treatment approach.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 6:55pm

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After 10 years of trying various treatments for chronic shoulder pain, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and injections, the author found relief through intraoral myofascial therapy - a technique where a physical therapist massages the inside of the patient's mouth to release tension in the jaw and face, which can be connected to shoulder pain. The article explores the science behind this approach and the author's journey to finding an effective solution for their relentless shoulder discomfort.

Why it matters

Chronic shoulder pain is a common issue, affecting 15-25% of adults at any given time, with up to 40% of cases becoming long-term. This story highlights how an innovative treatment approach can provide relief for those struggling with persistent shoulder problems when more traditional methods have failed.

The details

The author first noticed shoulder pain during pregnancy and tried various treatments over the next decade, including physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and injections, but nothing provided lasting relief. It was only when a physical therapist suggested trying intraoral myofascial therapy - massaging the inside of the mouth to release tension in the jaw and face - that the author found significant improvement. Experts explain the scientific rationale behind this approach, noting how sensations and tightness in the face and jaw can 'spill over' to affect the shoulders due to the interconnected nature of the body's fascia and musculature.

  • The author first noticed shoulder pain when they were 8 months pregnant, around 10 years ago.
  • The author started seeking treatment for the persistent shoulder pain a few weeks after a playgroup where another mom joked about the author's constant stretching and massaging.

The players

Jie Yao

A shoulder and elbow surgeon at NYU Langone Health.

Heather Jeffcoat

A physical therapist who specializes in chronic pain.

Sherryl DeVries

A physical therapist who specializes in myofascial work in Seattle.

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What they’re saying

“Pain begets pain,”

— Heather Jeffcoat, physical therapist who specializes in chronic pain

“Think about it as a rubber suit under the skin that covers and supports your muscles throughout your entire body. It connects every part of our body in a three-dimensional way. So when you're clenching in the jaw, you are absolutely affecting not only all the muscles around the face, but also the neck, and the neck then is affecting the shoulders.”

— Sherryl DeVries, physical therapist who specializes in myofascial work in Seattle

What’s next

The author plans to continue the combination of intraoral myofascial therapy and at-home shoulder exercises to maintain the progress they have made in reducing their chronic shoulder pain.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how an innovative treatment approach, in this case intraoral myofascial therapy, can provide relief for those struggling with persistent musculoskeletal issues like chronic shoulder pain when more traditional methods have failed. It highlights the interconnected nature of the body and the importance of addressing potential root causes, even in seemingly unrelated areas like the jaw and face.