TMJ Dysfunction

Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) is the common and debilitating condition. In fact behind back pain TMJD is the second most common reason for pain. The people that struggle with it understand the negative impact that TMJD has on their life. Some of the common symptoms of TMJD are:

headaches
ear pain
jaw pain
shoulder/ neck pain
chewing pain
dizziness
hearing problems
jaw clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
jaw locks up

Our Registered Massage Therapists are well versed in the nuances of TMJ Dysfunction. There are many issues that can cause your condition most of which can be helped with a focused massage therapy treatment program. Let’s look at some of the issues behind TMJD that are best handled by massage therapy:

Postural Imbalances
Muscle Imbalances
Myofascial Adhesions
Tense Muscles
Stress
Sport Injury
Auto Accidents
Emotional Unrest

At painPRO Clinics we have several Massage Therapists who have advanced training to effectively resolve the pain associated with TMJD.

What is a TMJD treatment like?

The first step to any treatment is a careful assessment. Many patients have postural imbalances that can be either the primary cause of the TMJD or a secondary aggravating factor. A series of 3 to 8 treatments is often required in an attempt to re-pattern the TMJ dysfunction. Treatment goals and criteria for detecting progress will be established so you may measure effectiveness. Longstanding TMJ dysfunction can frequently be improved but not fully resolved. In these cases clients “graduate” after an initial series to monthly or seasonal visits of to keep old patterns from recurring.

Treatments are usually 30-45 minutes in length. In many cases the massage therapist may be required to do intra-oral work, inside the mouth, but this usually doesn’t last longer than 20-30 seconds. The muscles and fascia of the back, neck, shoulders, head, and face may be worked on as well. With severe postural imbalances or fascial adhesions your therapist may need to work on other areas of the body. As with any type of treatment there may be a certain level of discomfort as the therapist releases trigger points and fascial adhesions but we always work within your comfort level of tolerance.

If you would like to discuss your particular situation with any of the following painPRO certified TMJD practitioners please feel free to call.