Relieving TMJ Pain: The Healing Power of Massage Therapy
What is the TMJ?
It stands for the temporomandibular joint. It’s the joint that the jaw (mandible) sits in. The mandible is the only bone in our body that has bilateral joints meaning that each side must function together. This means that when there is a problem on one side, the other side compensates. This is great because we can endure a lot of stress to our jaw without noticing much difference. Luckily, there is a lot we can do to support the jaw and face when pain does arise.
Why TMJ and face massage?
If you have pain around your face from clenching, grinding, or dental work.
If you have pain around your jaw and ear when opening or closing your mouth.
If your mouth clicks while opening or closing your mouth.
If your mouth can’t open wide enough to eat comfortably
Massage is an effective and safe way to mitigate pain and increase comfort in your face.
Clenching Teeth and Bruxism
Clenching and biting teeth during sleep or higher levels of stress damages your teeth significantly faster than normal chewing of food. Years of clenching or bruxism every night can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, and the mandible joints. Maybe your dentist has mentioned that your teeth have signs of wearing down and has suggested a mouth guard? A mouth guard is important to protect your teeth but unfortunately will not stop the habit.
Bruxism and clenching are both highly correlated with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. They are also prevalent in women with “Type A” personalities and or aggressive or driven lifestyles.
Massage can be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of bruxism and clenching in a relaxing setting. In a treatment session we can address breathing patterns, trigger points, painful areas, muscle tension, nerve pain and home care. An intra-oral treatment doesn’t have to be painful to be effective. Feel free to communicate any fears or concerns so you can feel more secure in your decisions.