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Bio and Philosophy

Jennifer Whitaker, LMT, BA (Psychology)

NYS license #026298

  • 14+ years in practice
  • NYS LMT #026298
  • Trauma-informed
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ safe space
AMTA Certification Organic Products
Jennifer Whitaker
Licensed Massage Therapist
Since 2012, I have focused my practice on massage care for TMD/TMJ, neck pain, and persistent muscular tension. My TMD focus began because my sister had severe TMD, and I wanted to help her. That experience still shapes the way I work.
My own background as an athlete also shaped how I think about recovery, overuse, and the small patterns that keep showing up in the body.
My work is trauma-informed, practical, and paced around the needs you bring into the room.
Continuing education has expanded my work with TMD, anterior neck techniques, fibromyalgia-informed care, and cupping.
If a concern has built up over months or years, we will pace the work accordingly and adjust the plan as your body responds.

Common Focus Areas

Common Concerns

  • TMD/TMJ-related jaw tension
  • Headache-related neck tension
  • Neck and shoulder tension
  • Back and shoulder muscle tension
  • Hip and low-back muscle tension

Activity & Recovery

  • Post-injury stiffness
  • Shoulder mobility concerns
  • Athletic overuse strain
  • Work-Related Ergonomic Strain

Sensitive Care

  • Nerve-like discomfort with muscle tension
  • Forearm and hand tension
  • Fibromyalgia-informed massage
  • Hypermobility-informed care
  • Trauma-informed care
  • I can coordinate with dentists, oral surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractic providers, and mental health providers when that supports your TMD care.
  • Handicap accessible office
  • Trauma informed therapist
  • 🏳️‍🌈 My office is a safe place for anyone, including the LGBTQ community!

Continuing Education:

  • TMJD Course with Ron Floyd in 2013
  • Neck Specialty by Tammi Sweet, 2014
  • Deep Bodywork with Perry & Johana at Esalen Institute, 2018
  • NAT (Trigger Point Therapy), 2019
  • 30+ hours of in-person CE in 2022 including training for joint restriction release, assessment of sports injuries and therapies, hip/pelvic release techniques, and complex knee and pelvic myofascial patterns.

Meet all the therapists at Massage Ithaca

The Office

Massage Ithaca treatment room
Massage Ithaca office space interior - comfortable waiting area and treatment facilities
TMD and jaw massage reference material
Jaw massage reference image

What Clients Are Saying

5.0 out of 5
Read all reviews on Google

"I came to see Jennifer because I was experiencing pretty severe pain in my jaw while chewing. After one session with her, the tension was dissipated and the pain has been gone ever since (about 2 months ago). I had 5 sessions with her and the relief has been lasting."

Alyssa Welty

2 months ago

"I have been seeing Jennifer for about 7 months for TMD massages and it has done so much to relieve my neck/jaw pain and headaches. Although the process of a TMD massage can be intense, Jennifer always checks in throughout the massage to ensure I am comfortable, and each time I leave her space I feel relaxed and revived. 10/10 would recommend to anyone experiencing TMD problems!"

Zachary Batterman

1 month ago

"I've had 27 years of massages all over the world and Jennifer's massages are highly skilled have brought me great relief of pain and tension. Her massages are as advertised, and you can tell she's had a decade of experience under her belt. She is very kind and I have no trouble asking for more or less pressure, although I can't recall ever having to tell her because she's very intuitive. She's worked a lot on my neck and TMJ, although I do not live close enough to see her regularly I appreciate when she gives me feedback and recommendations for more work. I absolutely love the ground level space she has in her home, it is well decorated and exceptionally inviting and peaceful, and the parking is great right near the door."

Carrie G.

2 months ago