TMJ Disorder Relief: The Astonishing Power of Massage Therapy
Have you ever experienced that nagging pain in your jaw that just won't go away? Or maybe you've noticed that your jaw makes a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth. If so, you may be experiencing the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). Many people experience jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort due to this common, yet painful condition.
What actually is it though? Medically speaking, it’s a condition that affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and difficulty chewing.
While many turn to analgesics, these only temporarily address the symptoms. The little-known solution that addresses the actual cause is TMJD targeted massage. Massage therapy is a trusted treatment method that can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, and promote relaxation. It can also help improve your range of motion and reduce stress, which are both important factors in managing TMJ pain.
“Touching hands are not like pharmaceuticals or scalpels. They are like flashlights in a darkened room. The medicine they administer is self-awareness. And for many of our painful conditions, this is the aid that is most urgently needed.”-Deane Juhan, author of Job’s Body, considered to be the most famous and widely used resource in therapeutic bodywork.
The Proven Results
There are a number of ways that massage therapy can help to relieve TMJ pain. One way is by reducing muscle tension. When your muscles are tense, they can put pressure on your jaw joint, which can worsen your pain. Massage therapy can help to relax your muscles and reduce this pressure.
Massage therapy can also help to improve blood circulation. When you have better blood circulation, your body can more easily repair itself. This helps free restrictions, loosen “knots” or muscular adhesions and help reduce inflammatory pain.
Finally, massage therapy can help to reduce stress. Stress can worsen TMJ disorder and the pain resulting from jaw clenching, so it's important to find ways to manage it. Simply put, massage therapy is a proven way to relax, de-stress and train muscles to return to homeostasis or their natural, healthy resting state.
Types of Trusted TMJ Massage Treatments
There are different types of massage therapy that can be used to treat TMJ pain. Some of the most common types include:
Myofascial release: This type of massage focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles.
Craniosacral therapy: This gentle type of massage focuses on the bones of your skull, spine, and sacrum.
Trigger point therapy: This type of massage focuses on releasing trigger points, which are areas of tight muscle fibers that can cause pain.
Intraoral Massage: A Specialized Approach. Some skilled massage therapists may incorporate intraoral massage as part of their TMJ treatment. This involves gently massaging the internal muscles of the jaw and mouth.
How it Works
The therapist, wearing sterile medical gloves, will carefully massage the muscles inside the mouth, focusing on areas like the masseter (chewing muscles), temporalis (side of the head), and internal pterygoids (deep muscles involved in jaw movement).
These internal muscles are often difficult to reach and can become significantly tight in individuals with TMJ.
Intraoral massage aims to release tension in these deep muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
The relief experienced has been described as “a kind of release I haven’t felt in years”.
Important Considerations
Safety: Intraoral massage requires specialized training and should only be performed by qualified professionals with experience in TMJ treatment.
Comfort: The therapist will work closely with the client to ensure comfort and minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
Not for Everyone: Intraoral massage may not be suitable for all individuals with TMJ. Factors such as the severity of the condition, the presence of any oral infections, and the client's comfort level will be considered.
Your Everyday Habits
TMJ often stems from a combination of factors, and many of them are within your control. Even small changes can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By becoming more mindful of your daily habits and making simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce the strain on your jaw and find lasting relief.
You can take control with simple home relaxation techniques. Remember, consistency is key! By incorporating these easy, yet powerful strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the strain on your jaw and find lasting relief.
Hidden Culprits of Your TMJ:
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Do you clench or grind your teeth, especially during sleep? This unconscious habit puts immense pressure on your jaw muscles and can worsen TMJ symptoms. Have your partner or a health monitor such as an Apple watch keep track to notice repetitive patterns or triggers.
Jaw Clenching: Are you aware of how often you clench your jaw throughout the day? Stress, anxiety, and even intense concentration can lead to unconscious jaw clenching. This trains the muscle memory into this behavior, making it easier to do at night.
Poor Posture: "Tech neck" (forward head posture) and rounded shoulders can misalign your jaw and contribute to muscle tension.
Repetitive Movements: Pay attention to repetitive movements that may be straining your jaw, such as gum chewing, nail biting, or even excessive yawning.
Finding a Therapist
If you're interested in exploring intraoral massage as a potential treatment option for your TMJ, it's key to find a therapist with the necessary training and experience.
When you're choosing a massage therapist, you should make sure that they have experience treating TMJ pain. This is because while many massage therapists may work the neck and facial muscles, they may not be familiarized with how to address the muscles of the inner mouth.
Look for certifications: Inquire about certifications in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, or other advanced techniques that may include intraoral massage.
Ask for referrals: Consult with your dentist or doctor for referrals to qualified massage therapists who specialize in TMJ treatment.
Schedule a consultation: Schedule a consultation with the therapist to discuss your specific needs and concerns.
What to Expect
When you go for your first massage therapy session, your therapist will ask you about your medical history and any symptoms you're experiencing. They’ll ask about your daily movements, habits, and what you’ve done up until this point to address your TMJ pain.They will then assess your range of motion, jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Once your therapist has a better understanding of your condition, they will begin your massage. During your massage, you may experience some discomfort, but your therapist will guide you through and make adjustments depending on your needs. See how your session can be personalized on our website.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
The frequency of your massage therapy sessions will depend on the severity of your TMJ pain. Your therapist can help you to determine how often you should come in for treatment. In between treatments, there are many effortless techniques you can apply to help train your jaw muscles to healthier movement.
Empower Yourself Easily
Mindful Jaw Relaxation: Throughout the day, consciously relax your jaw muscles. Gently open and close your mouth, feeling the release of tension.
Gentle Stretches: Incorporate gentle stretches for your neck and shoulders into your daily routine.
Stress Management Techniques: Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm your mind and body.
Dietary Adjustments: Avoid hard or chewy foods that require excessive jaw movement. Opt for softer foods and cut your food into smaller pieces.
Posture Awareness: Maintain good posture throughout the day. Sit and stand tall, keeping your shoulders relaxed and your head aligned with your spine.
In addition to these tips, there are several other accessible changes you can make to your daily routine.
Managing TMJ with Simple Strategies
Eating soft foods
Avoiding hard foods, such as nuts and candy
Applying ice packs to your jaw
Practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga or meditation
Relief in Sight
If you're struggling with TMJ pain, you’ve likely already tried so-called traditional treatments. Leave no stone unturned by experiencing the lasting relief massage therapy can bring you. Discover revolutionary change in your TMJD by getting to the cause of it. Book your session with our skilled therapists HERE.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment, including massage therapy.
References
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR): https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd
American Dental Association (ADA): https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/2021-archives/new-survey-finds-stress-related-dental-conditions-continue-to-increase
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31869076/
Trager Practitioner l Job’s Body: https://www.jobsbody.com
Self Massage for TMJ Disorders: https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/self-massage-for-tmj-disorders-704362
Understanding TMJ Massage: A Comprehensive Guide https://www.carolinapintos.com/understanding-tmj-massage-a-comprehensive-guide/