Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) is a common condition that can be quite painful and irritating, yet many diagnosed individuals don’t get treatment. Every single jaw movement a TMJD sufferer attempts can result in clicking and pain that has become their definition of normal jaw function. People shouldn’t have to live in fear of accidently eating solid food or laughing too hard, causing them to open their mouth to the point of pain. Now, facial pain and clicking sounds aren’t the only symptoms of TMJD. Some people experience their jaw locking, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), earaches, dizziness, toothaches, headaches, and neck/shoulder pain. Massage therapy is an effective way to treat the pain and tension associated with TMJD that can result in long term results and diminishing severity of symptoms.

The root cause of TMJD can be muscle imbalances and/or disc dislocation. Massage therapy can treat the knotted muscles with fascial connective tissue release, Swedish massage, and ischemic point pressure release (myofascial trigger point pressure release). Your registered massage therapist will know how to target the muscles connected to the jaw and which outlying muscles are possibly referring additional pain to the jaw. Another helpful technique British Columbia RMTs are trained in is intra-oral massage. This technique can allow the therapist access to muscles that normally are not treated, aiding to increase relief of disc-dislocation problems.

Lastly, homecare will be given to enable you to deal with the pain in between appointments. Strengthening the alignment of your jaw is crucial, and will take time. Looking in a mirror and performing any alignment exercises or any stretches that your therapist has shown you will contribute to better jaw health. At Burrard Massage Therapy we believe treatment doesn’t need to end at the clinic door, our RMT’s are trained in remedial exercise and encourage clients to be pro-active enough to perform their assigned self care exercises at home. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms can be reduced through diligent treatment with a BC registered massage therapist, so we can give you a reason to smile again!