www.thebodyworker.com
Explorations in the Theory and Practice
of Massage and Bodywork

Become a Massage Therapist

The Massage Therapy Career Guide
The truth about becoming a massage therapist

[ Home ]

Online Supervision Group Starting in Fall 2008.

Amazon.com Widgets

TMJ | TMD Massage

Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) | Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD)

Definition: dysfunction of the temporal mandibular joint (jaw): displacement of cartilage disk

TMJ syndrome refers to dysfunctions of the temporal mandibular joint capsule.

TMD also includes other conditions involving the jaw structure and the muscular system such as occlusal interferences, muscular disorders, neurological disorders and biochemical imbalances. Other terms for this condition include myofascial pain and dysfunction, craniomandibular dysfunction, and masticatory muscle pain.

Causes: jaw misalignment, cranial misalignment, vertebral misalignment, scoliosis, tooth grinding, stress, bad posture, hypoglycemia (tooth grinding and clenching more prevalent), whiplash, poor dental work, trauma, poor diets causing excessive inflammation

Causative Factors of TMJ Dysfunction from Judith Delany's article
Some of the most common factors include:

Intrajoint dysfunction - adhesions, scarring, displacement
or destruction of disc(s), arthrosis, deposition of calcium
Musculoskeletal - hypertonic muscles, referred pain from
trigger points, postural distortions, skeletal misalignments
Occlusal factors - loss of vertical dimension, premature
contacts, other malocclusal conditions
Psychological - stress load, emotional distress, depression, neurosis
Biochemical - hormonal, neurostimulants, allergies/food
sensitivities (both known and hidden), chemical exposures,
drugs (prescription, OTC, recreational), mineral and
vitamin deficiencies, biochemical imbalances or toxicity

Signs/Symptoms: jaw pain, muscle spasms around joint, clicking, tooth grinding, popping, pain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, tinnitus , tooth aches, ear pain without infection, hearing changes, dizziness, sinus pain, jaw clenching, reduced range of motion in opening the jaw, pain with or without opening the jaw, difficulty biting or chewing, poor posture, scoliosis

Diagnosis : Often involves exams and testing by dentists, orthopedic doctors or other health care professionals using x-rays, mri's, muscle palpation and range of motion measurements along with examination of the alignment of the jaw and teeth.

Indications: Massage to realign problem areas, especially, temporalis, masseter, pterygoids, cranial realignment, cervical realignment. Intra oral work is usually needed but may be out of the scope of practice in your state.

Contraindications: none: Refer to appropriate health care practitioner; Surgery can be avoided.

Massage Techniques:

Self Massage

Pull on the little tab on your the middle of your ear and gently move your jaw side to side and move in it little circles.

Put two pieces of cotton in your mouth while just sitting at home or at your desk to keep the mouth open slightly taking the pressure off your jaw to help it relax

Other Methods of Treatment : Physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture

Masseter Muscle - Great article on the masseter and jaw problems from www.massagetherapypractice.com

Article on TMJ by Judith Walker Delaney

TMJ and Massage by Judith Delaney NMT Center

Controlling TMJ Easy, Effective Methods

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, December/January 2001.