TMJ Dysfunction and How Massage Can Help

TMJ issues can also be caused by teeth grinding, misaligned bite, posture problems, or injury.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and even tension in the upper back. Many people hold a lot of tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles due to stress, which can exacerbate these symptoms. TMJ issues can also be caused by teeth grinding, misaligned bite, posture problems, or injury. While these issues may seem localized to the jaw, they often affect surrounding muscles, making treatment more complex than it appears.

How TMJ Therapy Works

TMJ therapy provides a comprehensive approach to relieve discomfort and restore proper function. Sessions combine multiple techniques tailored to the client’s needs, including:

• Intraoral Mouth-Release Techniques: Gentle techniques that address tightness directly in the jaw muscles, promoting relaxation and improved mobility.

• Craniosacral Therapy: This gentle, hands-on method helps release tension in the cranial and spinal areas, supporting overall nervous system balance.

• Targeted Massage: Focused work on the occipital ridge, trapezius, levator scapula, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), masseter, and other jaw muscles helps release tension in areas that contribute to TMJ discomfort, including tension accumulated from stress.

• Structural Alignment and Myoskeletal Therapy: TMJ misalignment can affect overall posture, including the pelvis. Sessions also address pelvic alignment and related muscular imbalances to help restore overall structural balance and improve jaw function.

• Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Gentle breathing exercises are sometimes incorporated to assist in relaxing the body and reducing muscular tension, supporting overall TMJ relief.

• Avazzia Therapy (Optional): This microcurrent therapy may be used to complement the session, helping to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support muscle relaxation.

By addressing the jaw, surrounding muscles, and skeletal alignment, TMJ therapy provides more than just temporary relief. It supports long-term comfort, improved movement, and overall postural balance.

Exercises and At-Home Care

In addition to hands-on therapy, clients may receive guidance on TMJ exercises that strengthen and stretch the jaw and supporting muscles. These exercises can be incorporated into a regular massage routine or practiced independently to maintain relief between sessions. Simple techniques may include gentle jaw stretches, posture alignment exercises, and relaxation methods to reduce clenching or grinding.

Other Possible Causes of TMJ Symptoms

While many cases of jaw tension are muscular or stress-related, sometimes the source of discomfort is not directly connected to the temporomandibular joint itself. Stress and emotional tension can accumulate in the jaw and neck muscles, creating chronic tightness and discomfort. If a TMJ specialist or oral surgeon cannot identify a structural issue, further evaluation may be helpful. Potential underlying causes can include:

• Dental infections or complications: Previous root canals or dental surgeries can occasionally lead to lingering jaw discomfort. An evaluation with an endodontist can help determine whether a dental issue, such as an infection, may be contributing to the pain.

• Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D or B-complex vitamins can influence muscle and nerve function, sometimes contributing to jaw tension.

• Underlying medical conditions: In rare cases, jaw pain may be associated with broader health conditions such as Lyme disease or empty sella syndrome, which can affect the nervous system or hormonal balance.

• Energetic factors: Jaw tension can also hold energetic imprints, sometimes referred to as energy cysts, which may form after physical injuries, dental procedures, or past emotional trauma. These stored energetic patterns can manifest as chronic tension or discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas, even when no structural or dental issues are present.

Exploring these different possibilities can help ensure that both the physical and energetic aspects of jaw discomfort are addressed. TMJ therapy can be an important part of this process, helping to release muscular and energetic restrictions while supporting overall balance and well-being.

The Benefits of an Integrated Modalities

By combining multiple modalities, TMJ therapy not only relieves jaw tension but also addresses the underlying muscular and structural imbalances that contribute to discomfort. Clients often experience:

• Reduced jaw and neck pain

• Fewer headaches and tension-related symptoms

• Improved range of motion in the jaw

• Relaxation and balance throughout the upper and lower body

TMJ therapy can also complement other massage or wellness treatments, creating a holistic approach to overall comfort and stress reduction.

Conclusion

TMJ dysfunction may feel isolated to the jaw, but its effects move throughout the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back. Stress, muscle tension, skeletal alignment issues, and underlying causes can all contribute to discomfort. Through a combination of intraoral release techniques, craniosacral therapy, massage, structural alignment/myoskeletal therapy, exercises, and awareness of potential underlying causes, TMJ therapy targets the root contributors to discomfort, promoting relief, improved function, and overall well-being.

Call today to schedule your session at 817-966-1020.

With care and support,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT

Massage therapy is not a substitution for medical treatment. The massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. The therapist can only recommend products and services. Please consult a medical physician for further treatment.​

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