The Benefits of TMJ Massage Therapy
You know the saying “big things have small beginnings”? While I can’t say I remember who said it or when - I completely agree with the sentiment. For massage therapists, we see small problems become big issues quite frequently! What was once a small muscle knot may become a fully debilitating back pain if not addressed. On the other hand, we witness incremental progress evolve into huge positive improvements over time. Small things can grow into big things, sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better.
Why am I mentioning this now? Well, there’s a massage therapy that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, considering how much of an impact the condition can have; TMJD, or TMD, is a terrible problem that many people suffer with, many of whom don’t even know they have it! It’s a dysfunction that originates from a small area of the body but can greatly impact the quality of life.
There are 30 or so different types of TMJ disorders, and they stem from either the muscles or the discs in the jaw joints. TMJD can cause a litany of uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches, stiff jaws, jaw pain, tinnitus (ringing in ears), difficulty chewing, jaw popping, and clicking, among many other unpleasantries.
Stress is a major contributor to TMJ disorders. Humans are stressed-out creatures, and we unconsciously and sometimes consciously clench our jaws and teeth together. It’s not great; some even do it during sleep, grinding teeth together and wearing them down, a condition called Bruxism.
The good news is that TMJ massage therapy can greatly improve the symptoms of TMJD and help those suffering live more comfortable lives.
The Benefits of TMJ Massage Therapy
TMJ massage therapy targets the muscles around the jaw joint. TMJ massage helps alleviate tightness and improve range of motion, relieving the strain contributing to those awful TMJD symptoms. It can be like a mini vacation for your jaw, easing the stress of daily clenching and grinding while promoting better jaw health. If you think about all the tension we carry every day, it makes sense that our jaws and facial muscles need a break!
Here are just a few of the benefits of TMJ massage therapy:
- Let’s Break The Tension - Massage can improve jaw mobility and function by reducing muscle tightness and increasing flexibility.
- Improve Circulation - TMJ massage therapy improves blood flow to the jaw area, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, promoting healing, and working to prevent further exacerbation of disorders.
- Keep the Pain Down—When muscles are tight and inflamed, the pain is constant, but relaxing the muscles and joints lets those inflamed muscles relax and calm the activated nerves.
- Improve the Quality of Sleep - People with TMJD often have interrupted, poor-quality rest. Still, with massage therapy, individuals with TMJD-related sleep disturbances can find relief with a relaxed jaw/muscle group.
Interested in TMJ Massage Therapy?
If you suffer from jaw stiffness, pain, chronic headaches, or tension in the head/face, TMJ massage therapy may be just the treatment you need! As I said, people suffering from TMJD often don’t even know it’s happening (including myself!), but once they experience relief from their symptoms, they can’t believe they didn’t source help sooner.
Contact our team with any questions regarding TMJD or massage therapy in Houston.
Consent of the client is required:
I understand that results will vary among individuals. I understand that although I may see a change after my first treatment, I will likely require a series of sessions to obtain my desired outcome.
