TMDs & TMJ Dysfunction Treatments
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:
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:
- pain felt in the jaw, head, neck and/or ear
- joint noises, such as clicking
- restricted joint movement
- neck pain
- locking episodes in which you are unable to open or close your mouth
Massage Therapy for TMDs
Your Registered Massage Therapist will perform a complete assessment of the jaw, neck and masticatory muscles to determine the best course of treatment. Treatment consists of joint mobilizations and massage therapy techniques, including myofascial release and trigger point therapy, applied to the face, neck and jaw. The muscles of mastication may also be treated using an intra-oral approach, in which the therapist treats the masticatory muscles by massaging with gloved hands on the inside of the mouth and jaw. Intraoral treatment, where indicated, is usually more beneficial than external treatment alone.
Work with one of our Therapists
All of our therapists are well practiced in external and intra-oral treatments for TMDs and TMJ.
