Trigger Point Massage for TMJ Pain

It’s been a jaw-clenching, teeth-grinding form of week. (When isn’t it that form of week?) And now, you could have excruciating jaw ache. Ibuprofen? Might as properly put a bandage in your jaw for all the assistance it’s doing.   

So how do you spell jaw ache reduction? M-A-S-S-A-G-E.

TMD: What a ache within the … temporomandibular joint

Many elements contribute to what was as soon as referred to as “lockjaw,” a dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that causes:

• Jaw ache or tenderness, typically whereas chewing.
• Headache or facial ache.
• Earache or ringing within the ears.
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth (therefore the time period, “lockjaw”).

There are completely different causes of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), together with arthritis or a jaw damage. But if TMD is expounded to tightness and imbalance within the TMJ muscle groups due to clenching, an expert jaw therapeutic massage may be what the physician ordered.

“I’ve found manipulation by a professional, plus jaw exercises, to be highly effective,” says chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC. “When painkillers and bite guards don’t cut it, these types of manual therapy are a good next step.”

TMJ set off level therapeutic massage

Trigger factors are hyper-tensed muscle groups (aka muscle knots) that trigger jaw aches and pains. “When it comes to TMD, we can blame the pain on the masseter muscle, which covers the jaw over your teeth,” says Dr. Bang.

“The masseter muscle is used for chewing and jaw clenching. Muscle overuse from teeth grinding and jaw clenching causes the muscles to become tense, inflamed and very painful.”  

But the magic of therapeutic massage or guide remedy might mend these muscle groups. It’s greatest to discover a supplier who has a complete understanding of the TMJ musculature, comparable to a:

• Chiropractor.
• Physical therapist.
• Massage therapist.
• Osteopathic doctor.

When the jaw muscle groups are overly tight or imbalanced, guide remedy works properly to assist restore regular muscle tone and stability between the TMJ muscle groups.

The therapist begins by gently touching the muscle to chill out it. Next, they firmly press a thumb or finger into the tissue to determine and apply intense stress to any set off factors. “The kneading helps to unravel the ropey muscle fibers and bring relief,” says Dr. Bang.

TMJ workout routines

To preserve the jaw muscle groups easy and supple, you too can carry out easy jaw workout routines at residence. Dr. Bang recommends these workout routines to stretch, strengthen and chill out the jaw muscle groups:

Exercise #1: Jaw rest

How to: While touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth behind the higher entrance tooth, open and shut your mouth. Repeat.

Variation: Place a finger in entrance of the ear on the TMJ, then use your finger in your chin to open and shut the jaw partially or absolutely.

Exercise #2: Chin tucks

How to:

1. Stand tall towards a wall.
2. Pull your chin in direction of the wall to create a double chin.
3. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
4. Repeat a number of instances.

Exercise #3: Mouth resistance

How to: Create resistance to opening your mouth:

1. Place your thumb below your chin.
2. While opening your mouth, apply stress to your chin together with your thumb.
3. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds earlier than closing your mouth.
4. Do the reverse by squeezing your chin between your fingers to withstand the mouth closing.

Exercise #4: Side-to-side, front-to-back jaw actions

How to: It’s not fairly the hokey pokey, however you’ll have to consider these a bit. (Turning your self round is non-compulsory.)

1. Put an object, comparable to a wood craft stick between your high and backside entrance tooth.
2. Slowly transfer your jaw back and forth whereas clenching the merchandise between your tooth.
3. Thrust your backside jaw ahead, so the underside tooth are in entrance of the highest tooth.
4. Gradually enhance the thickness of the article because the train will get simpler to finish.