What is TMJD or temporomandibular joint disorder?
Let's get to it, we have these two joints one on each side of the face near the ear known as the temporomandibular joint. Why are these joints important to us? Well, they help us open and close our mouth and if they are not working properly that is going to make it harder or even painful for us to talk or eat. Now, who wants to talk or eat through pain?
What Causes TMJD or temporomandibular joint disorder?
First TMJD is not fully understood, but there are possible causes such as physical stress, which can cause clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth. Other causes may be from orthodontic work, excessive chewing of gum, nail biting, injury,
arthritis, fibromyalgia or cancer.
How massage therapy can help with TMJD
TMJD is focused work where we target specific muscles around the jaw, face and neck. Some of the main muscles we target are the masseter muscles one on each side of the jaw that helps with closing. Other muscles we work that help with closing, are the temporalis muscles and the lateral pterygoid muscles. The main opening muscles we target are the medial pterygoid muscles. The lateral and medial pterygoid muscles can be reached through intra-oral massage therapy. Which basically means they can be reached through the inside of your mouth. These muscles can be tender to press but can add a lot of relief for people with TMJD. Other areas that may be worked are the neck and shoulders as people with TMJD can hold tension in their neck and shoulders which can lead to headaches and migraines. If you or someone you know is suffering from TMJD try massage therapy or let them know to try it as it can be very beneficial.
If you would like to book a session with us, you can do so by visiting our website spotonmassagellc.com
Thank you for reading