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

Eating softer foods and avoiding hard or chewy foods can help reduce strain on the TMJ. Choose foods like soups, smoothies, and well-cooked vegetables that are easier to chew without excessive effort.

• Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a common cause of muscle tension, which can contribute to TMJ issues. Consider incorporating stress-relief practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help you unwind and reduce jaw clenching.

• Avoid Overuse of the Jaw

Avoid habits like chewing gum or biting your nails, which can put unnecessary stress on the TMJ. Be mindful of how often you are using your jaw and try to give it breaks when possible.

• Jaw and neck exercises

Gentle jaw exercises can increase your range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting the TMJ. Here are some examples:

• Mouth opening (assisted).

Open your mouth as wide as possible, using your fingers to assist. Hold this position and relax. Be careful not to overextend the jaw, especially if it is painful.

• Jaw TMJ Deviation (Assisted)

Open your mouth slightly and deviate the lower part of your jaw to one side, and hold. Use the fingers to assist. You can also deviate to the other side, if required.

• Jaw TMJ Deviation (Resisted)

Let your jaw relax by allowing your bottom lip to open, then deviate your jaw to one side as far as comfortable against resistance of two fingers. Repeat to the other side if required. This is a strengthening exercise for the jaw muscles.

• Jaw TMJ Depression (Resisted)

Draw your jaw downwards, against resistance. Your jawbone will not move very much, if at all. Hold and relax. This is a strengthening exercise for the jaw muscles.

• Jaw TMJ Elevation (Resisted)

Open your mouth slightly, then with two fingers and a thumb resist closing of your jaw. Your jaw will not close fully during the exercise. This is a strengthening exercise for the jaw muscles.

• Jaw TMJ Protrusion (Resisted)

Push the bottom of your jaw forwards against resistance from your hand. This is a strengthening exercise for the jaw muscles, including the digastric muscle.

• Digastric Stretch

Jutting your chin forward and tilting your head slightly upwards, place the tips of both thumbs under your chin. Next, place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, gradually increasing the pressure of your tongue while holding your thumbs firmly against the chin. This exercise stretches the digastric muscle, involved in eating.

• Neck active stretch

Actively stretch the neck into forward bending (hands clasped behind back of head (skull) and by humping the upper back.

I hope you will find these exercises helpful! In case of any questions, drop me a message: [email protected]