Is TMJ Massage a Good Treatment Method for TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull, which are in front of each ear, and the upper mandible to the lower mandible. This joint allows the jaw to move up and down and side to side, talking, chewing, and yawning.
TMJ dysfunction refers to a series of condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include pain or tenderness around the jaw, ear pain, difficulty chewing, locking of the jaw or difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Other symptoms that can be associated with TMJ Dysfunction are headaches or migraines, ear ringing and neck and shoulders pain.
Causes of TMJD
Here’s a list of some of the most common causes of TMJD:
- Inadequate postural patterns
- Emotional stress, anxiety
- Overuse, repetitive motions
- Injury, physical trauma
- Surgery
- Infection
- Diet, hydration
- Chronic medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis
Despite the previous list, The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research (NIDCR) classifies TMJD by “Myofascial Pain”. In most cases TMJD happens therefore as a result of inflammation of the Myofascial tissue.
Myofascial inflammation can develop as a result of a combination of the previous causes but ultimately the most common are:
- Stress/ anxiety
- Inadequate Postural patterns
It is here where we can clearly answer the question that gives tittle to this blog post, is massage a good treatment method for TMJD? Based on the previous information the answer is yes, but not any massage, but Myofascial release therapy.
How is Myofascial release therapy good for TMJD?
TMJD is caused by inflammation of the Myofascial Tissue and Myofascial Release Therapy reduces that inflammation, simple right? yet not as simple as it seems. (more info about Myofascial complexity for the geeky ones)
Let’s analyse the two main stressors for the Myofascial Tissue and therefore causes of TMJD, stress and inadequate postural patterns.
Stress
Stress is a systemic response to perceived threats or challenges, known as stressors, that disrupt an organism’s homeostasis. When someone experiences stress, the body undergoes a series of physiological changes, including the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These changes prepare the body to either confront or flee from the threat, a response known as “fight or flight.”
The stress response is useful and can be life saving but when this state of fight or flight is prolonged overtime it becomes toxic for the soft tissue. This is the case for most people as we live identified with our problems and thoughts, we’re constantly worrying and our brain doesn’t know the difference between a real threat (a lion in the jungle we need to flee) or a psychological threat (worrying about work for example or rushing around all day to mention a couple).
Summarising while stress is a natural and essential response in short-term situations, chronic stress has negative effects on health and the Myofascial tissue, that it’s extremely sensitive to hormonal changes in our body.
Myofascial Release Therapy and Stress
The objective of Myofascial Release Therapy is releasing the Myofascial Tissue and reducing inflammation. The skilful therapist will aim to take the client’s body into a state of deep relaxation by tinning into their nervous system through the release of the Myofascial Tissue. This can happen on a bigger or lesser degree during a treatment session.
When a state of deep relaxation is achieved, the client usually feels somewhere between sleeping and awake, were they’re still aware of their surroundings but not fully awake, what they often describe as “drifting”. It is in this state where deep healing takes place.
Myofascial Release can this way really cause a change in the person’s stress response, providing a break for the system to heal and an opportunity or reminder for the person to reset into a healthier self, a reminder of how it feels to be at ease. This is for some people the only time they get to experience quietness within and for others it’s a great tool to go back to and “press pause” when stress builds up.
For this reason Myofascial release is one of the most effective treatment methods for dealing with TMJD.
Inadequate Postural Patterns
This is hot topic. There is a lot of information suggesting that posture is not important or relevant for our health, that’s overrated, that we’re all different and that we’re meant to embrace postural patterns, that a collapsed foot arch with the leg stuck in external rotation and the hip stuck under the ribcage is “just how your body is, don’t change it or the pain you’re having will get worst”.
There is another group of soft tissue therapists, movement and biomechanics therapists that stand behind the opposite is true, there is such a thing as inadequate postural patterns and they need and can be corrected to reduce pain, increase functionality and athletic performance. At INSIDE we stand with this idea.
When it comes to TMJD, postural patterns affecting the position of the shoulders and neck as well as postural patterns with involvement of the deep front Myofascial line are very ofter the origin of the symptoms. Excessive Lordosis-Kyphosis, forward head posture or shortening of the deep front line are common inadequate postural patterns that often trigger TMJD symptoms.
Both the development of Trigger Points in the neck and shoulder area and generally the inflammation of the Myofascial soft tissue in this area can trigger TMJD symptoms.
Myofascial Release Therapy and inadequate Postural patterns
During the treatment session the therapist will identify these postural patterns and then proceed to release the myofascial tissue with the objective of reestablishing balance. A more balanced postural pattern will reduce the load experienced by the Myofascial tissue and reduce this way the development of Myofascial trigger points and Myofascial irritation.
Simultaneously by increasing balance in these structures we reduce the negative feedback of these previously stressed structures stopping them from extending the cycle of pain and symptomatology.
For this reason Myofascial release therapy is a very effective treatment method for TMJD symptoms.
TRIGGER POINTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED TMJD PAIN PATTERN
Masseter
Trapezius
Temporalis
Myofascial Release for the treatment of TMJD symptoms
Myofascial release therapy is an effective method for treating TMJ dysfunction (TMJD). This technique focuses on releasing tension in the myofascial tissues, which can alleviate the symptoms associated with TMJD.
By targeting the specific areas of tension and stress in the jaw and surrounding muscles, myofascial release can help reduce pain, improve jaw function, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals suffering from TMJD.
A block of 4-6 weekly sessions with INSIDE Myofascial Release Therapy can lead to significant improvements and long-term relief from TMJD symptoms.