The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a sliding joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. The TMJ is comprised of bones and muscles that make up the jaw along with connective tissues and muscles that surround and protect the jaw. When working well, the TMJ functions to connect the jaw to the skull and also open and close the mouth. However, this indispensable part of the facial anatomy can oftentimes become damaged and cause severe pain that most do not want to live with. Due to stress, injury, or even the grinding of teeth, patients can develop Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) where the joint can fall out of line and cause tenderness, swelling, and even head and neck pain.

While advanced TMD pain may ultimately require surgery for pain relief, it can often be avoided by addressing TMJ pain quickly through lifestyle changes and TMJ massage. That’s because a lot of the pain associated with TMD comes from overuse, like frequently chewing gum or clenching and grinding of the teeth. The frequent chewing of gum or the clenching and grinding of teeth causes the muscles in the jaw, primarily the masseter muscle, to become tightened and painfully inflamed.

This can cause head, jaw, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as a sensation of ringing or buzzing in the ears known as Tinnitus. However, in the hands of a qualified massage therapist, clients often find immediate, non-surgical relief.

Helps Ease Headaches and Jaw Pain

Headaches are a common side effect of TMJ. Jaw clenching due to the disorder can often cause the masseter muscles to strain, which eventually shoots pain up the jaw and can cause a headache. By massaging strained muscles, headaches due to TMJ can become less likely. As the jaw is consistently massaged, jaw pain can also become less painful and relief can be found.

Can Treat Tinnitus

TMJ can cause an uncomfortable ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears known as Tinnitus. With a TMJ massage, Tinnitus can often be treated by massaging the ligaments that connect the jaw and the hearing bones in the middle ear. Once these muscles begin to relax, they’ll be less likely to produce uncomfortable ringing throughout the ear.

Can Reduce Pain From Sleep Bruxism

Some people who clench their jaw muscles even do it while they’re sleeping. Grinding teeth and clenching the jaw while sleeping is called Sleep Bruxism and not only disrupts sleeping patterns but can also add pain and damage to the teeth. A TMJ massage can assist in reducing pain that comes from Sleep Bruxism. By loosening up the tightened muscles around the jaw, pain caused by Sleep Bruxism can be reduced.

Kalologie Medspa offers professional-level massage therapy that is effective and results-oriented. As you consider TMJ massages, look to see if the therapist has been certified and has taken courses on how to properly massage for TMJ relief. Kalologie Medspa employs highly skilled therapists who continually search for courses that will allow them to assist their clients. Kalologie Medspa strives to create a professional and safe atmosphere where clients can come to receive reprieve and potential healing from difficult conditions.