Massage for TMDs
|
Temperomandibular Disorders (TMDs) refers to the group of disorders affecting the temperomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles of mastication (chewing) and other associated muscles in the face and neck.
The temperomadibular joint is the joint at which your lower jaw attaches to your skull. You can feel the joint moving by placing your fingers in front of your ears while opening and closing your mouth. The TMJ allows for movement of the jaw up and down and from side to side, so that you can talk, chew and yawn. Dysfunction in the TMJ or in the masticatory muscles and muscles of the face and neck can cause symptoms including:
|
|
Massage Therapy for TMDs
Massage therapy for TMD focuses on relieving tightness and dysfunction in the muscles responsible for jaw movement, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. These muscles can become overworked due to stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), poor posture, or injury. By applying targeted pressure and manual techniques, massage therapists aim to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation in these areas.
One of the key benefits of massage therapy for TMD is pain reduction. Gentle manipulation of the jaw and surrounding muscles can decrease inflammation and interrupt pain signals, providing relief from chronic discomfort. Additionally, massage can help improve jaw mobility by loosening tight tissues and restoring a more natural range of motion.
Another important aspect is its effect on stress. Many individuals with TMD experience symptom flare-ups during periods of emotional or physical stress. Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging relaxation and reducing overall muscle guarding, which can indirectly ease jaw tension.
Treatment may include both external techniques (on the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders) and intraoral massage, where a trained therapist works inside the mouth to access deeper jaw muscles.
One of the key benefits of massage therapy for TMD is pain reduction. Gentle manipulation of the jaw and surrounding muscles can decrease inflammation and interrupt pain signals, providing relief from chronic discomfort. Additionally, massage can help improve jaw mobility by loosening tight tissues and restoring a more natural range of motion.
Another important aspect is its effect on stress. Many individuals with TMD experience symptom flare-ups during periods of emotional or physical stress. Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging relaxation and reducing overall muscle guarding, which can indirectly ease jaw tension.
Treatment may include both external techniques (on the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders) and intraoral massage, where a trained therapist works inside the mouth to access deeper jaw muscles.
Work with one of our Therapists
All of our therapists are well practiced in external and intra-oral treatments for TMDs and TMJ.
