TMJ Massage
Persistent Toothache | Facial Pain | Blurred Vision | Jaw Discomfort
Headaches | Migraines | Earaches | Clicking or Popping Jaw
These are just some of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Massage therapy can be one of the most effective, gentle, and long-lasting approaches to relieving and reducing symptoms of TMD.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull’s temporal bone, situated just in front of the ear. This joint, along with surrounding muscles, allows for essential movements like talking, chewing, yawning, and laughing.
When issues arise with the TMJ or its surrounding muscles, it can result in what is known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Symptoms may include pain in the jaw, facial tension, restricted jaw movement, and noises like clicking or popping during jaw motion.
Massage therapy can address these underlying issues. Whether your pain stems from injury, chronic teeth grinding, or jaw clenching, regular sessions can offer significant relief.
How Does Massage Help?
Massage therapy targets the soft tissue (muscles) surrounding the jaw, reducing tension and alleviating pain. By focusing on trigger points in the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles, massage helps to ease symptoms and improve function in the jaw joint.
Additional Symptoms:
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Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw joint during mouth movement
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Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
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Dizziness or vertigo
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Ear pain (without infection)
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Headaches or migraines
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Difficulty swallowing or speaking
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Chronic muscle pain or tenderness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
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Teeth grinding (bruxism)
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Jaw locking or difficulty opening/closing your mouth
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Sensitivity to light or sound
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Disturbed sleep
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Twitching of facial muscles
What to Expect From Your Sessions:
After an initial assessment of your TMJ, your therapist will work on two main areas:
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The neck and upper shoulder muscles will be addressed first, as tension in these areas often affects the jaw.
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Next, your therapist will help release tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, known as the muscles of mastication.
Because the neck and jaw are so closely connected, releasing tension in the neck can significantly reduce strain in the jaw area.
While you may experience relief after your first session, consistent treatment over several weeks (typically at least six) is recommended for lasting improvement.
