Massage Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
TMJ Dysfunction causes varying degrees of pain and sometimes complete malfunctioning in one or both jaw joints. People who suffer from TMJ Dysfunction experience tenderness, headaches and limited jaw movement. The condition frequently spreads to the ears, neck, and shoulders causing other health problems. Women and 20-40 year olds are in a higher risk group for contracting TMJ Dysfunction.
Signs & Symptoms:
Clicking, popping or misalignment of joint
Spontaneous dislocation
Tender jaw muscles
Limited range of motion
Dull, aching pain in front of the ear
Headaches
Hyper-mobility of the jaw
Lower jaw shifts when chewing
Increased pain in the morning
Causes:
Weak neck extensor muscles in back of neck
Misalignment of joints due to bite or denture problems
Misalignment of the upper neck vertebrae or bones of the skull
Injury (e.g. whiplash)
Nerve or circulatory problems
Improper tracking (movement) of TMJ disc within the joint
Tension, clenching and grinding
Arthritis and fibromyalgia
Treatment: Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) do a thorough exam of the patient's head, neck and face. RMTs will then look at patient history, lifestyle and tension habits to identify other pain triggers. With patient background in hand, RMTs develop individual Massage Therapy treatments to correct problem areas and increase range of motion. RMTs also provide gentle stretching tips for in between sessions.
Benefits: Massage Therapy will reduce pain, muscle tension, spasm, swelling and increase movement for those suffering from TMJ.
Information courtesy of the Massage Therapists' Association of BC
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Treatable Conditions
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