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Therapeutic Touch
for TMJD Relief
by Tina Cauller
The skilled touch of a massage therapist who is specially trained in TMJ
massage therapy can gently release myofascial restrictions and reduce
overall stress and sympathetic nervous system activation.
K
imberley Cole is a licensed massage therapist with special training
in TMJ myofascial release. Kim
worked as a dental assistant for more than
15 years and has suffered from the symptoms of TMJ disorder herself. She became
a licensed massage therapist in 2003 and
now works in conjunction with referring
dentists to help patients find relief from
TMJD-related pain through therapeutic
touch. Kim updates her knowledge of TMJ
massage therapy techniques through
hours of continuing education each year.
on constant alert while we are awake,
thanks to neural stimulation that reinforces a constant, low-level stretch reflex,
like the response of the patellar tendon
when it is tapped with a reflex hammer.
The masseter plays a critical role in biting,
chewing, talking and stabilizing the neck,
and this reflex loop makes it highly reactive
so it can adapt and adjust quickly when
needed. However, when we internalize
stress, experience traumatic injury, or have
habits like chewing gum, or clenching and
grinding the teeth, the masseters can
become overly reactive and tense.
TMJ massage is indicated when the ability
to open or close the mouth is restricted or
when there is pain or discomfort in the
TMJ area, mandible, temporalis, headache
and/or ear pain. TMJ myofascial release
can often produce immediate relief
through intra-oral massage with gloved
hands to compress the medial and lateral
pterygoids and masseters. Myofascial
release of the neck muscles and pectoralis
major with cross-fiber friction of temporalis, followed by stretching, helps correct
shoulder posture and release pressure on
the jaw. Massage helps to relieve pain,
increase blood flow to the muscles, and elevate endorphin levels to reduce stress.
Sessions typically last about 60 minutes.
“I suggest that patients see their dentist,
who may prescribe a nightguard or prescription medication to reduce muscle
tension,” Kim notes. “I also educate
patients about interrupting the cycle of
pain by breaking habits, like chewing gum,
ice or hard, crunchy food, that may contribute to symptoms.” Caffeine, alcohol and
nicotine can also increase masseter tonus
and worsen symptoms.
Kimberley Cole, LMT is
conveniently located in
Carrollton, Texas. For
more information or to
refer a patient for treatment, call Kimberley at
(214) 886-9010.
Patients with TMJ disorders usually have
excessively tense, tight masseter muscles,
which can lead to symptoms that include
TMJ pain, bruxism, migraine headaches,
ear pain, breathing problems and sleep
disturbances.
The anatomy and position of the masseter
make it a very powerful “low-gear” muscle. Normal tension in the masseters, temporalis and medial pterygoids is what
holds our jaw closed, so the masseters are
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