First what is TMJ?

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. There is one on each side of the jaw and they can become problematic in some people, then it is known as TMJD which stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder. 

Symptoms that you may have TMJD

• Pain in or around the jaw area including the ear
• Pain in other parts of the body including the neck, shoulders and back
• Limited opening of the jaw
• Jaw moving out of alignment when opening and closing
• your bite is not in alignment
• Tenderness or soreness of muscles of mastication (chewing muscles)
• Sounds from the joint such as popping or clicking accompanied by pain and or discomfort
• headaches
• Ringing in ears or decreased hearing may also be accompanied by TMJD

While TMJD is poorly understood there are possible causes of TMJD

• Physical stress from posture
• Psychosocial stress such as clenching and grinding of the teeth which puts tension on the jaw
• An injury of the jaw
• excessive chewing of gum, nail biting or constantly chewing with one side of your mouth
• other causes of TMJD may be from arthritis, cancer or fibromyalgia

How can TMJ Massage therapy help you?

Massage therapy helps with imbalances, or tight muscles in the body. By manual manipulating the soft tissues of the body including the muscles of the jaw in TMJ work. The benefits of receiving TMJ massage therapy may include:

• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Reduced stiffness of the face, jaw and neck
• An increase in mouth opening
• Reduced joint clicking/popping
• Reduced headaches
• Depending on cause of TMJD it may be treated through restoring muscle tone and balance of the jaw muscles