Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) is the common and debilitating condition. In fact behind back pain TMJD is the second most common reason for pain. The people that struggle with it understand the negative impact that TMJD has on their life.
Symptoms of TMJD
- headaches
- ear pain
- jaw pain
- shoulder/ neck pain
- chewing pain
- dizziness
- hearing problems
- jaw clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
- jaw locks up
Causes of TMJD
- Postural Imbalances
- Muscle Imbalances
- Myofascial Adhesions
- Tense Muscles
- Stress
- Sport Injury
- Auto Accidents
- Emotional Unrest
What is a TMJ Massage Treatment like?
The first step to any TMJ treatment is a careful assessment. Many patients have postural imbalances that can be either the primary cause of the TMJD or a secondary aggravating factor. A series of 3 to 8 treatments is often required in an attempt to re-pattern the TMJ dysfunction. Treatment goals and criteria for detecting progress will be established so you may measure effectiveness. Longstanding TMJ dysfunction can frequently be improved but not fully resolved. In these cases clients “graduate” after an initial series to monthly or seasonal visits of to keep old patterns from recurring.
Treatments are usually 30-45 minutes in length. In many cases the massage therapist may be required to do intra-oral work, inside the mouth, but this usually doesn’t last longer than 20-30 seconds. The muscles and fascia of the back, neck, shoulders, head, and face may be worked on as well. With severe postural imbalances or fascial adhesions your therapist may need to work on other areas of the body. As with any type of treatment there may be a certain level of discomfort as the therapist releases trigger points and fascial adhesions but we always work within your comfort level of tolerance
Our Registered Massage Therapists are well versed in the nuances of TMJ Dysfunction Treatment in Vancouver. There are many issues that can cause your condition most of which can be helped with a focused massage therapy treatment program.
At painPRO Clinics we have several Massage Therapists who have taken additional training focused on effectively resolving the pain and dysfunction associated with TMJD.
