TMJ and Massage Therapy

TMJ, temporomandibular joint pain, is caused when people grind their teeth because they are under huge amounts of stress. Its symptoms include but are not limited to jaw clicking, pain chewing, headaches, jaw popping and migraines. Most of the time TMJ occurs during the night. This unconscious clenching and grinding often interferes with sleep and can cause sleeping disorders. This nighttime clenching is called Bruxism. Having the jaw muscles tensed for seven or eight hours a night causes the severe stress and tightness, which later can cause jaw popping and pain.

Massage is extremely effective in relieving TMJ pain. Focusing on the neck, back of the head, shoulders, temples, jaw, chin and scalp it loosens up the muscle and relaxes the stressed person. Massage that alleviates TMJ pain can be practiced quite conveniently in a chair, on-site. Chair massage is a great, convenient way to receive pain relief for TMJ. Pressure is place from the fingers tips to the base of the skill, along the neck and temples. When the client is asked to open their mouth fully, the jaw joint can be stretched for 5 to 7 minutes. Massage on the affected area can last between 3 and 4 minutes.

Because the main product of TMJ and Bruxism is stress, the effected person should have “stress-management” massage as well. A good, convenient way to receive this treatment is by getting a chair massage at least once weekly. This should keep the body’s overall stress levels down. As was previously discussed people suffering from TMJ have a higher amount of stress in their bodies due to the fact that when they go to bed at night, instead of relaxing from the stress of the day, their jaws seize up for the 7-8 hours they are asleep. This stress can build up and needs to be released. On-site massage is also a great way to release tension at work. Chair massages are convenient not time consuming as going to a masseuse would be.

TMJ can be regularly soothed by common remedies. You should eat soft foods and never chew gum. Also avoiding clenching ones jaw is a good way to keep stress away from the joint. Also avoid tension. At least twice a day you should sit with a moist heat pack against your jaw for a least half an hour. These modest remedies are good advice for anyone suffering from TMJ.

Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder
of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage,
corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage
throughout the US.