TMJ / TMJD / Jaw Pain
Do you wake up with jaw soreness? Hear clicking when you chew?
Catch yourself clenching while working? Notice headaches that seem to start around your temples?
Jaw pain can make everyday activities like chewing, yawning, and talking feel surprisingly difficult.
If you've been experiencing discomfort in your jaw, with or without clicking or popping, there is help available. You are not alone.
What is TMJ? Or is it TMJD…or TMD?!
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) describe a group of conditions affecting the jaw, aka the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There are muscles, joint surfaces and capsules, connective tissues, and even a tiny little articular disc.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) are common, and they're often more complex than they first appear. Because the jaw works so closely with the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders, tension or irritation in one area can influence another.
Why does this happen?
Common Symptoms
Jaw, tooth, sinus, or ear pain
Headaches or facial pain
Clicking/popping/locking
Teeth grinding or clenching
Limited mouth opening
Frequent Causes & Aggravating Factors
Chronic stress
Joint mechanics
Posture
Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth)
Nervous system sensitivity
Potentially Related Conditions
Headaches & Migraines
Chronic Pain
Hypermobility & EDS
Stress & Burnout
How does massage therapy fit in?
Massage therapy is about much more that hands on techniques. Each appointment starts with a conversation to determine what is bringing you in, what you hope to achieve, how massage therapy may help achieve those goals, and how to bring the benefits of massage therapy to you off of the treatment table.
Massage therapy can reduce sympathetic nervous system activation, reduce muscle tension, increase range of motion, and increase local circulation. These changes together can reduce pain, decrease feelings of stress, and improve your quality of life.
What treatment with me looks like
Since 2011, I have been building my “toolbox” of techniques and skills to provide my patients with treatments that are as helpful as possible. Your treatment will be based on your presentation, preferences, and goals.
For a TMJ treatment, I will likely suggest scalp and facial massage, intraoral massage, and some attention to your neck and shoulders. We would determine together if you’d like to incorporate cupping, acupuncture, hydrotherapy (hot/cold applications), guided breathing, or active release techniques.
I may have “go-to” techniques, but you are the one in charge. If you don’t want to have a certain technique done for any reason, that’s no problem! I love the challenge of thinking outside the box to support your autonomy and individual needs.
TMJD FAQ’s
Is intraoral massage required?
Intraoral massage, techniques applied to muscles and tissues of the jaw from inside the mouth, can be incredibly helpful in reducing TMJD symptoms. But it is not required! There are many other techniques that can be used to achieve your treatment goals.
Will massage therapy cure my jaw pain?
Massage therapy can be very effective in helping many people manage TMJD symptoms. However, massage therapy is not a cure. Management of your symptoms may also require treatment from your primary care provider or dentist. Homecare will also be an important part of your plan.
Are my headaches caused by jaw tension?
Headaches commonly occur with TMJD, so yes, they might be. For example, trigger points can be caused by an imbalance of force applied by the primary TMJ muscles. The referral patterns of these trigger points can be along the forehead, temples, sinuses, and scalp causing headaches.