TMJ MASSAGE

[Pompal 09.]

I am trying to find information on how to do TMJ massage.   Does anyone know of any references or how to do TMJ massage from their own experiences.ThanksGeorge

 

[Hally M]

Here is a link for some cont. ed on TMJ.http://www.nestacertified.com/massage_for_TMJ.htmlI would focus working on the cervical, facial, and upper back muscles.  Make sure to work the SCM and Temporalis.  Muscle stripping to the masseter works well.  There are techniques for TMJ that involve working from the inside of the mouth while using gloves hands.  I don't personally use this method, but maybe someone on the board does and can fill you in on that.Any work that you do directly to the face and jaw will feel great.    

 

[coopersj2002]

I was taught the St. John Neuromuscular approach to TMJ when I was in massage school.  It is very effective and works both inside and outside of the mouth.  I will warn you that working interiorly with patients who have extreme TMJ can be challenging because often they are unable to open their mouths very wide which can make it difficult to get to some of the attachment points.  Additionally all the muscles tend to have very heightened sensitivity.Additionally, there is a wonderful jaw release technique with CST that can offer tremendous relief to TMJ sufferers.  The key for CST is to remember to use extremely gentle pressure when doing compression work.  Between the two techniques I would recommend the CSTI course if you like light touch therapy.In addition to the direct work I would encourage working all the deep intrinsic muscles of the neck, SCM,scalenes, platisma, levator scapulae and traps.

 

[Paper Roses]

CST does help with TMJ dysfunction.  Level 2 has intra-oral techniques also.A real simple exercise that may help them is to get a wooden dowel, about 4 inches long, 1/4 inch diameter, tape the ends with surgical tape.  They then insert it as far back, between the teeth as possible.  (like a bit in a horses mouth, except it doesn't stick out the sides.)  Bite down on it, gently, 15 times, 3 sets.  This helps open the joint, realign it and strengthen it also.

 

[Paula]

TMJ MASSAGE

I was talking about treating someone here at work with TMJ with one of my teachers and she said what I was doing was good but to consider taking in as many muscle groups in the head, neck, and face as possible as well as some myofascial techniques. Also to consider traps I and II and pec muscles.It also dawned on me while talking with her that this type of treatment could possibly be very financial rewarding as well as having a direct and dynamic positive effect on someone's life.Initially, my only concern was to relieve my co-worker's pain...but, this is could be another tool to add to my sack of tricks.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I adree, the hardest thing is the clients who will never be out of pain.   My heart hurts for them.  I took a TMJ class.  We used facial release on all of the neck, plus we 'pulled hair', releaseing the facia in the head. We pulled (VERY CAREFULY) on the ears. First picking them up, then gently twisting, pausing when you get to a gentle barier, and waiting for it to relase. Also using skin rolling over the masiter, which normaly you can't even hardly pick up the skin in that area. Just start where you can and gently work your way to it.  I think someone has already said that it is very sensive, VERY true.  Also, it is fun to try and mesure the width they CAN open the mouth, before and after.Also, if you feel proficent with this, find a dentest, or Ciro. and they might be able to send you clients!  I have found that where I live the clients to not even know that TMJ D can be 'helped' by massage.

 

[Richard N]

TMJ MASSAGE

A real simple exercise that may help them is to get a wooden dowel, about 4 inches long, 1/4 inch diameter, tape the ends with surgical tape.  They then insert it as far back, between the teeth as possible.  (like a bit in a horses mouth, except it doesn't stick out the sides.)  Bite down on it, gently, 15 times, 3 sets.  This helps open the joint, realign it and strengthen it also.

This has me confused - maybe I have an extremely small mouth, but a 2 inch piece of dowel pushes my cheeks out.. and you're meant to manage 4 inches? Or is it meant to stick the cheeks out like a squirrel with a mouth full or nuts? Or is it meant to stick out the sides of the mouth and I've just proved how little I know about horses?

 

[Nekomimi 13]

TMJ MASSAGE

Melb,I believe Jon O means that the dowel will stick out the sides of your mouth.  You want to comfortably (as comfortable as you can be) be able to bite down on the dowel.

 

[SiderealDrift]

I know this reply might be a little on the late side.  I just found this wonderful forum.  In my experience you have to look at TMJ from a couple of different angles.  The most important in my experience is the person's structure and posture.  I've never seen a person with TMJ who didn't also have a head forward posture.  You can't look at the head forward posture without seeing what the pelvis and shoulder girdle are doing.  I think you also have to watch the person open and close the jaw before they get on the table so you can see at what seforum.xxxe the deviation occurs and to which side.  That will give you a lot of information about where to start with tissue work.  Also the most important muscles to massage are the anterior muscles:  SCM and Scalenes in particular and pec minor as well.  I also think you have to educate your client about posture.  If you can teach them to stand with the head on top of the shoulders ie, earlobe is on top of shoulder, they actually can't grind their teeth.  If it happens at night, it would be good to look at what they are doing during the day (how is the workspace set up) but also need to look at their stress level and how well they are sleeping.  If this is a problem, send them to a nutritionist who can recommend supplements to help them manage stress.  TMJ is a complicated problem that involves posture, structure, soft tissue and emotional well being.I would also recommend having the client spend about 5-10 minutes a day lying supine on the bed with the head hanging off the end to allow the anterior neck to open.I hope some of this is helpful to you or anyone else who's heart breaks with TMJ clients in pain.  Peace,Jenbo