TMJ – tempromandibular joint
TMD – tempromandibular dysfunction or Tempromandibular Joint Disorder
TMJ/TMD is a group of symptoms that involvce the temporomandibular, or jaw, joints. Besides jaw pain, grinding and popping, the patient/client may also experience limited jaw movement, ringing in the ears, dizziness, headaches, or pain andlinited range of motion in the neck and shoulders. Symptoms of the disorder may also be found throughout the total body and will vary from person to person.
TMJ/TMD can be brought on by a variety of problems such as a traumatic injury, an uneven bite, arthritis of the temporomandibular joint or the slipping or tearing of the joint disk, itself. Injuries in the neck and shoulders, such as whiplash, can also bring on TMJ/TMD. Other causes include stress overload and postural problems.
How does massage help?
Bodywork is an ideal modality to relieve the pain of TMJ. According to medical massage proponent Boris Prilutsky, “Massage therapy should be focused toward the reduction of tension in the masticatory muscles, releasing tension in fascia, and elimination of trigger points. Post-isometric relaxation is an extremely important tool for the restoration of the range of motion.”
Generally most researchers agree that the most common element of TMJ/TMD is myofascial pain — discomfort in the muscles (myo) and their connective tissue (fascia). Massage by releasing muscle tension and stretching contracted fascia of the muscles that control jaw, neck and shoulders, can relieve myofascial pain. As the tissue relaxes, circulation of blood increases. This soften the fascia, cleanses the tissue of irritating toxins which cause the inflammation and improves the nutrition to the stressed areas. A significant amount of pain relief can result, including a decrease in the strength and frequency of headaches.
Additionally, when the tension from postural problems and the contracted tissues are released, range of motion in the jaw, neck and shoulders can improve and the body can return to an easier, natural posture.
Self-help Suggestions for clients suffering with a painful jaw:
* Avoid gum chewing and crunchy foods, eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
* Maintain good posture while woring at the computer, watching TV or reading. Break frequently and change position, rest your hands and arms, give the muscles a stress break.
* Relax the facial and jaw muscles throughout the day.
* Use moist heat to increase circulation around the tense areas of the jaw muscles.
* Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and tension throughout the entire body.
