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Experience TMJ & Headache Relief through Advanced Buccal Massage & Integrative Bodywork in Herndon, Virginia
With over 25 years of hands-on experience in healing and bodywork, I’m here to help you move beyond pain and step into a life of true wellness. If jaw tension, clenching, headaches, facial puffiness, or stress are holding you back, you’re in the right place. My specialized intraoral buccal massage therapy releases deep facial and jaw tension from the inside out while integrative bodywork restores calm, posture,and balance, so you leave lighter, lifted, and pain-free.
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You’re seeking lasting relief, and a
face that feels as good as it looks.
If any of these questions resonate with you, you’re exactly where you need to be.
⋆✴︎ Do you clench or grind, and end the day with a tight jaw, temples, or neck?
⋆✴︎ Are you looking for TMJ relief that can also support facial symmetry, reduce puffiness, and soften tension lines—without injectables?
⋆✴︎ Do headaches, sinus pressure, or screen-stress leave your face and scalp feeling sore or achy?
⋆✴︎ Do you prefer gentle, precise work that creates real change—without forcing or “muscling through” tension?
⋆✴︎ Are you ready to partner with a therapist who teaches you how to maintain your results between sessions?
My approach blends deep understanding with specialized techniques focused on therapeutic and Buccal Massage Therapy with whole-body integration
⋆✴︎ Gentle, lasting change: Non-invasive methods help reduce lines caused by tension, improve elasticity, and support a naturally refreshed look.
⋆✴︎ Holistic results: We combine buccal, myofascial, lymphatic, scalp, and neck work to improve TMJ function, drainage, circulation, and tone.
⋆✴︎ Gentle, Lasting Relief – I offer gentle, effective bodywork that brings lasting results for back pain, migraines, and stress, all while keeping you comfortable.
⋆✴︎ Healing Partnership – Together, we’ll work to address your healing process, creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
⋆✴︎ Break Free from Pain – Inside-out release: Buccal (intraoral) techniques free deep cheek and jaw muscles that external massage can’t reach, calming the nervous system and softening holding patterns.
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Why Work With Me?
What Makes My Approach Special
Holistic, Tailored Healing
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every session is customized to meet your unique needs, desires, and goals. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or emotional blocks, I offer a personalized healing plan designed for your life.
Combining Science and Spirit
I merge the best of both worlds—science and spirituality. My approach integrates physical therapies like bodywork and energy healing. This unique combination brings deep, lasting change.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
I don’t just help you heal; I empower you to take control of your healing journey. I offer support and guidance every step of the way, teaching you how to live a life of health and wellness long after our sessions end.
Understanding
Buccal Massage
Buccal massage is a deeply therapeutic technique that addresses tension held within the facial and jaw muscles by working both inside and outside the mouth. Using gloved hands, gentle intraoral massage reaches the deeper layers of muscle often responsible for jaw tightness, clenching, TMJ discomfort, and headaches. By releasing these restricted areas, the body is invited into greater ease and balance.
Many clients notice a softening through the jaw, neck, and shoulders, improved alignment, calmer nerves, and a more relaxed, lifted appearance over time through improved circulation and lymphatic flow.
What you are feeling
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Tight jaw in the morning. Pressure at the temples. A neck that stays on guard.
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Clenching that shows up at your desk, in traffic, even during sleep.
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Headaches or ear and facial pressure that make it hard to think.
You are not alone. You are welcome here. What you feel is your body doing its best to protect you. We will show it a safer way.
Why the pain keeps returning
Deep cheek and jaw muscles can stay braced like a fist beneath the skin. Surface treatments soothe for a while, then the old patterns resume. Lasting change needs two things at once:
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the deeper layers must release so the jaw can move freely
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the nervous system must feel safe so it stops re-tightening the same muscle
When both happen together, relief holds.
MY SIGNATURE METHOD
The method that changes the pattern
Buccal Massage reaches the deep drivers of clenching using gentle, gloved intraoral techniques for the masseter, pterygoids, and related fascia. I pair this with Manual Lymphatic Drainage before and after so your body is prepared, comfortable, and able to keep the gains.
BEFORE:
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Prepare the tissues for the deeper work of massage and Myofascial release
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Reduces puffiness and congestion allowing the facial muscles to move more freely.
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Moves stagnant fluids and promotes circulation which makes the tension release more effective.
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Promotes relaxation by signaling the nervous system to shift into the parasympathetic state allowing the intra oral and Myofascial release more comfortable.
Lymphatic Drainage AFTER the Buccal massage…
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Flushes toxins and metabolic byproducts
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Reduces swelling and puffiness
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Enhances the lifting and facial contouring effects of the massage
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Extends the relaxation effects.
Why you can trust this care
I bring more than 25 years of hands-on healing as a Virginia Board of Nursing Licensed Massage Therapist. Training includes Facial and Buccal Myofascial Release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Bowen Therapy, Vibrational Sound Therapy, EFT Tapping, Energy Healing, and Somatic Therapies. My specialty is chronic pain, stress and anxiety, migraines, and TMJD. Sessions are collaborative and paced to you. Your history and goals guide everything.
What changes you may notice
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Less jaw locking and easier opening because deep bracing has released
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Fewer tension spikes and headaches as pressure eases around the temples and ears
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Softer neck and shoulder guarding as the jaw stops asking them to help
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Calmer nervous system, steadier breath, better sleep as your body learns it can let go
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A face that feels more at ease because function has improved at the source
Most clients feel benefits for 2 to 3 weeks. For steady progress, we begin with two or three sessions a few weeks apart, then maintain monthly so relief can stack.
This is a client's before and after, after just one treatment.
Here are some noticeable changes:
1. Eyes are much brighter
2. Cheeks are plump and lifted
3. Jowls less heavy
4. lines in upper lip decreased
5. Lines in forehead decreased
6. lines in neck decreased
7. whole face is brighter with more circulations.
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IS THIS FOR YOU?
What this can help with
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People who clench or grind, have uneven chewing, or use their voice a lot for work or performance
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Jaw and neck tension from long hours at a desk or on screens
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Morning puffiness or fluid retention around the cheeks and jaw that responds well to lymphatic support
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Performers, teachers, and speakers who want reliable function and endurance
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Remote workers who need relief from desk-jaw habits
Safety and consent
I use medical grade gloves, strict hygiene, and clear communication at every step. Mild tenderness can occur and usually settles quickly. Please share recent dental work, active oral lesions or infection, uncontrolled TMJ pain, or very recent injectables before booking.
benefits
Buccal massage can help with a variety of therapeutic, structural, and aesthetic issues because it targets deep facial and jaw muscles that often hold tension.
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Jaw tension & TMJ discomfort: Relieves tightness in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, reducing jaw pain and discomfort.
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Clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism): Releases chronically tight muscles, helping to decrease strain on the jaw and neck.
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Headaches & migraines: Can ease tension-related headaches by addressing muscular stress in the jaw and temple areas.
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Neck and shoulder tension: By relaxing the jaw and associated muscles, tension patterns that travel down to the neck and shoulders can be reduced.
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Nervous system stress: The gentle, mindful approach promotes relaxation and a parasympathetic response (calm, restorative state).
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This work is also great for pre and post dental work with doctor approval.
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Facial asymmetry or tightness: Releases uneven muscle tension that may affect facial balance.
Improved jaw alignment: Helps the jaw function more freely and reduces pressure on surrounding muscles.
Enhanced circulation and lymph flow: Supports detoxification and reduces puffiness.Softer facial contours: Muscle release can subtly lift and relax the face.
Improved skin tone and vitality: Increased blood and lymph flow can give the skin a healthier, more radiant appearance.
Reduction of tension lines: Tight muscles often create expression lines; releasing them can smooth and soften these areas over time.
Buccal Massage is an excellent alternative for people who do not want to get toxic injections or filler.
Offerings for Healing
Integrated Healing for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Facial & Buccal Myofascial Release with Lymphatic Drainage
$215
This specialized treatment goes beyond the surface to release deep tension and restore balance in the face, jaw, and surrounding structures. By combining gentle myofascial release with lymphatic drainage, it supports both functional health and natural rejuvenation.
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Facial & Buccal Myofascial Release works with the fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles. Restrictions in this tissue, often caused by stress, jaw clenching, or injury, can contribute to TMJ discomfort, headaches, sinus congestion, and tension throughout the neck and shoulders. Releasing these restrictions externally on the face and internally through the buccal (intraoral) area helps reduce strain, improve mobility, and restore structural balance.
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Lymphatic Drainage encourages healthy circulation of lymph fluid, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. This technique helps reduce puffiness, inflammation, and sinus pressure while improving skin tone and overall vitality.
Whole Body Connection
Because fascia is a continuous web throughout the body, restrictions in the jaw and facial region can create compensatory patterns that extend into the neck, shoulders, and even the low back. By restoring balance in the craniofacial system, this treatment may ease strain on the spine and reduce certain types of back discomfort as a secondary benefit.
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Relief from jaw tension, clenching, or TMJ dysfunction
Reduction in headaches, sinus pressure, and facial pain
Decreased puffiness and inflammation
Improved circulation and a naturally refreshed appearance
Secondary support for posture and back pain relief
This treatment is both therapeutic and restorative, offering relief for functional concerns while also leaving the face and body feeling lighter, more balanced, and at ease.
Integrated Bodywork
60 mins - $215
Integrated Bodywork combines 22 years of expertise in Advanced Bodywork, Reiki Energy Healing, Yoga, and Occupational Therapy into one powerful healing experience. This unique approach blends Bowen Therapy, SRT Fascial Stretch Therapy, and Vibrational Sound Therapy to release tension, restore balance, and deeply relax the nervous system—so your body can heal more effectively and you can feel better, faster.
Here is a list of the conditions I have been able to help with:
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Stress & Anxiety
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Difficulty Sleeping
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Back and Hip Pain
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Migraines and Headaches
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Knee Pain
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Plantar Fasciitis
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow
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TMJD and Neck Pain
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This session helps the body heal itself by gently activating the nervous and endocrine systems. It works through various mechanisms, like stimulating muscle receptors to break pain and spasm cycles, improving joint function, and releasing tension in the fascia to restore posture and movement.
Please wear comfortable, stretchy clothing to your session. All sessions are fully clothed.
We begin with a brief conversation to clarify your goals and set the intention for your session.
From there, we start with Vibrational Sound Therapy to gently calm and regulate the nervous system, creating the ideal foundation for deeper work.
Next, we move into Bowen Therapy, using precise movements and therapeutic pauses that give your body time to integrate neuromuscular responses.
Targeted fascial stretching may also be incorporated, depending on your individual needs.
Each session is tailored to support your body's natural ability to reset, release, and restore balance.
Holy Fire Reiki
60 mins - 185
Reiki Therapy is an energy healing modality that harnesses Spiritually Guided Universal Life Force Energy to promote healing, relaxation, and stress reduction. This gentle, non-invasive technique offers a wide range of benefits, including deep relaxation, decreased physical pain or discomfort, and reduced anxiety and stress. During a session, individuals may experience visions and insights, as well as feelings of being safe and supported. Following a Reiki treatment, many report an increase in energy and zest for life, along with a greater connection to the world around them, leaving them refreshed and revitalized.
This service is perfect for individuals seeking a deeper connection to themselves and Spirit. Whether you are navigating physical discomfort, emotional blockages, or simply seeking clarity and balance in your life, Holy Fire III Reiki offers a healing experience that goes beyond the surface. It’s especially beneficial for those who are open to receiving intuitive guidance and want to release the limitations of their past experiences, cultural conditioning, and dormant energies that may be holding them back.
During your session, you can expect a gentle yet powerful healing process. We will start with a check-in to identify what you feel needs attention, followed by an energy scan and aura cleanse to determine where additional healing may be necessary. As you relax on the table, I’ll guide you through a short meditation and anchor your intention for the session. Throughout the process, I will intuitively channel Reiki energy and deliver messages from your Spirit team, which can include clairvoyant insights. Many clients experience deep relaxation, emotional release, physical healing, and a renewed sense of vitality and connection to life. The session concludes with sound healing using Himalayan Singing Bowls and Tuning Forks to restore balance, sealing the healing with custom essential oils, provided there are no sensitivities.
Hi I'm Kate!
I’ve been immersed in healing work for over 25 years.
In addition to being a Virginia Board of Nursing Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, I’m trained and certified in multiple modalities, to include Bowen Therapy, Facial / Buccal Myofascial Release & Lymphatic Drainage, Vibrational Sound Therapy, EFT Tapping, Energy Healing, and Somatic Therapies.
My specialty lies in working with chronic pain conditions, stress & anxiety, migraines, and TMJD. Whether it’s easing the tension of persistent pain, calming the overwhelm of anxiety, or reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines, I tailor every session to meet my clients where they are with a compassionate, holistic approach, helping them reclaim balance and resilience in their daily lives.
Random facts about me
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I love to crochet and watch UFC.
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I’ve worked with WWE athletes, Sting, Queen Noor, and Diana Krall.
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I prefer tea over coffee.
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I grew up in Holland, Michigan.
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My first car was a Yugo.
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I love to lift weights and walk outside.
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My Human Design is a Manifesting Generator, so I thrive on doing and learning new and different things.
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My husband and I have two cats: Cinderella (aka Cinder Soot Underfoot) and Godzilla (aka Zilla).
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I make the best granola. Ever.
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Woodpeckers are my Spirit Animal.
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My husband and I once rescued and cared for 3 baby squirrels (I don’t recommend it!—thankfully, we handed them off to wildlife rescue after a week!).
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I consider myself an Angelic Medium—I talk to Angels, see them, and work with them often.
Stay Connected to
this Healing Space
Step into a world of healing and harmony with Kate Deriso, your guide to bodywork wisdom. By subscribing to her mailing list, you’ll receive exclusive updates, expert tips, and gentle inspiration to support your journey toward balance and well-being. Whether you’re curious about energy healing or ready to enhance your practice, Kate’s nurturing insights will arrive straight to your inbox—sign up today and start exploring a more vibrant you!
My experiences with Kate Deriso have been nothing short of mind-blowing. I have worked with Kate on EFT, Bowen Therapy, Facial Myofascial Release, and Buccal Massage. She has incorporated tapping and Himalayan sound bowls into my treatments.
EFT helped reduce the emotional charge of some specific past trauma. Kate gently and confidently led me through this release. It was a profoundly moving experience and continues to reap benefits as far as my mental health. I recommend it to everyone. Kate incorporated Bowen into that session, which was amazingly only one hour and yet with so much accomplished. I was new to Bowen and am amazed how well my body responds to it as far as relaxing areas I didn't know were tense.
Speaking of the unexpected, I had immediate relief from lower back pain after receiving Facial Myofascial Release both times I had it. While Kate worked only on my face, apparently the tension there was causing my lower back to seize up. With it released, my back feels limber and good now! Buccal Massage was also a revelation. Kate was able to significantly relieve the tightness in my jaw and neck caused by TMJ. I have no doubt that in the coming weeks I will experience improvements in my overall health thanks to Kate's therapeutic interventions. Thank you, Kate!
C.K.
Kate Deriso is not only well-informed about the human body and effective, non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatments to maximize wellness and well-being, she’s also a true joy to spend time with. I always learn a ton and I benefit tremendously from the Bowen treatments I receive from her. I’ve recommended Kate to many friends and they’ve been equally pleased. Do your mind and body a big favor by visiting Kate!
K.B.
Kate Deriso truly changed my life. I have had a colonoscopy and over ten ultrasounds in addition to seeing countless nutritionists, OB-GYNs, and GI specialists to uncover the cause of my chronic stomach problems caused by endometriosis and IBS. Kate is the only person who provided relief for my stomach issues. This is the first time in my life that I have not gotten sick weekly, if not daily, in 20 years. I have received Bowen Therapy, Vibrational Sound Therapy, and Facial / Buccal Myofascial Release & Lymphatic Drainage from Kate.
She is endlessly compassionate and intelligent about the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as physiological processes. You will not find a massage therapist who knows their practice inside and out and is as eager to help you as Kate. If you have looked everywhere and can't find answers, see Kate. I promise it is worth every penny. She makes it clear that she genuinely cares about your health and is a rockstar of a human being.
