Struggling with Jaw Pain? Here’s How Massage Therapy and Home Care Can Relieve Your TMJ Symptoms
Do you ever experience jaw pain when you open and close your mouth? Or maybe you have felt discomfort while chewing or speaking? These issues can often point to problems with the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. I this article I will take you through what the TMJ is, how it can affect your day-to-day activities, and some helpful ways to manage discomfort. If you are based in London and considering massage therapy as part of your treatment plan, keep reading to see how a professional massage therapist can help you.
What is the TMJ, and Why Is It Important?
Let’s start with the basics: the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, located just in front of each ear. This joint allows your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back, which means it is essential for actions like chewing, speaking, and facial expressions. Since the TMJ is so frequently in use, it is no surprise that issues with this joint can lead to pain and dysfunction in your daily life.
How TMJ Disorders Can Disrupt Daily Life
So, what exactly happens when this joint does not function as it should? TMJ disorders, also known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), can present a range of symptoms that vary in severity. Some of the most common signs include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing
- Clicking or popping sounds with pain.
- Headaches and earaches
- Limited range of motion.
Each of these symptoms can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to enjoy social meals, speak comfortably, and manage your routine without pain. So, what are your options if you are experiencing these issues.
How Can Massage Therapy Help Alleviate TMJ Pain?
Many people with TMJ issues benefit significantly from massage therapy, a non- invasive and effective way to relieve pain and tension in the surrounding muscles. Massage therapy can help in the following ways:
- Releasing Muscle Tension
- Improving Blood Flow
- Reducing Stress.
Buccal massage is designed to beat your TMJ problems. Many people have not heard about it, those who did, may have some doubts about it as this treatment targets muscles inside the mouth, and a feeling of a stranger putting fingers to your mouth may put you off, however this is a very powerful tool to help you to manage your condition. And remember I would not spend 60 minutes working inside your month, this treatment focuses on your face, neck and shoulders to bring you the best relief possible.
If you are looking to manage your symptoms at home, there are several self- care practices that can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Here are some effective, strategies:
- Dietary Adjustments
- Stress Management Techniques
- Avoid Overuse of the Jaw
- Jaw and neck exercises
- Mouth opening (assisted).
- Jaw TMJ Deviation (Assisted)
- Jaw TMJ Deviation (Resisted)
- Jaw TMJ Depression (Resisted)
- Jaw TMJ Elevation (Resisted)
- Jaw TMJ Protrusion (Resisted)
- Digastric Stretch
- Neck active stretch
I hope you will find these exercises helpful! In case of any questions, drop me a message: marta@massagetherapy.london
Marta Suchanska
Certified Massage Therapist/Year 4 Student Osteopath
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