TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Dysfunction + Orofacial Pain

An Oral-Facial massage therapy approach

​The global pandemic has affected our health in a myriad of ways, with an overwhelming increase in TMJ pain, headaches and muscle imbalances of the head, neck, face and shoulders.
 
TMJ and oral-facial massage is a non-invasive holistic approach that treats soft tissue imbalance by working with the muscles of the face, tongue, mouth and jaw to create symmetry, balance for a lifelong healthy posture.

​This is a great therapy for those that suffer from Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) such as mouth breathing, tight or restricted tongue and lip ties, improper chewing and swallowing patterns, tongue thrust, lip incompetence and oral facial habits to name just a few. These OMDs are often linked to migraines, TMJD, facial development, asymmetry, poor breathing and sleeping habits. 
 
It takes a team to build long lasting results. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy works with the root cause of these disorders by using methods of neuroplasticity and behavior modification techniques. Oral facial massage therapy supports this work, and is a great part of the healing and restoration process of treatment.
 
I like to use a collaborative approach. This can mean working with other health care providers (Myofunctional Therapists, Dentists, Orthodontists, ENTs, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors), or just including YOU in an active role in your own treatment. I like to ensure that folks understand what I’m doing and why. There is almost always some kind of homework component to my massage therapy treatment plans, this gives everyone an opportunity to play a part in their healing process.

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

The temporomandibular (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone (the mandible) to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ dysfunction occurs when the muscles and ligaments around your jaw joints become inflamed, irritated or imbalanced. When this group of jaw-guiding muscles experience tension (from grinding, clenching, postural imbalances), they  cause pain in the jaw, face and skull.
 
TMJD can have a sudden onset or a long-lasting effect; pain may be intermittent or constant, acute or chronic, and mild or severe. By understanding the structures involved in these presentations, it allows a treatment plan to be developed to relieve the tension and stress in the structures around the joint.
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Read Anne's article on TMJ dysfunction + trigeminal neuralgia

How do I know I have TMJ imbalance?

TMJ disorder goes beyond pain in the jaw; the muscle tension and inflammation caused by the imbalance may cause a myriad of symptoms including pain over the jaw, in your face and head, and even in your ears.

Consider TMJ Treatment to address any of these symptoms:
  • popping, clicking or clunking in the jaw when chewing or opening your mouth
  • headaches particularly over the temples, or over the back of the skull
  • An electrical storm or migraine-like headache experience after eating
  • stuffiness or ringing in the ear, earaches, or inability to tune out sound
  • dizziness and balance problems; tunnel vision or vertigo
  • pain in upper back, neck and/or face
  • tingling or numbness in the fingers

Benefits of TMJD Treatment

Most people do well with conservative therapy, such as manual therapy (massage), resting the jaw or using a fitted appliance. The success of treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how well the patient complies with treatment and home-care (exercises).

This therapy can provide a variety of benefits:​     
  • Relieves pain and reduces headaches
  • Supports relaxation and relieves stress
  • Eases muscle tension and muscle spasm
  • Restores joint mobility and function
  • Reduces symptoms of tinnitus, eye fatigue, facial pain and swelling
  • More efficient healing from clenching and teeth grinding
  • Improves muscles health, balance and strength

Should I still have massage if I'm seeing a different kind of doctor?

For many that suffer with TMJD, they are working with healthcare practitioners specializing in their particular imbalance:
  • Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
  • Neuromuscular Dentistry
  • Buteyko and Speech Therapies
  • Chiropractic - specializing in upper cervical spine
  • CranioSacral Therapy
  • Osteopathy

For those that are having treatment by another orofacial doctor or dental specialist, massage is a wonderful support to therapy to include in the treatment plan. Massage therapy will help balance the muscles, ligaments and lymphatics that work with or uphold the structures these amazing practitioners are working with, and will aid in quicker healing and easier work for the specialist and the patient. Speak to your specialist about having oromyofunctional massage therapy as part of your treatment plan.

History

Historically unexplained pain in the area of the TMJ was often dismissed as psychogenic or the creation of someone’s mind. In the 1950's TMJ syndromes began to receive attention from the healthcare community. But it was not until the 1980's that healthcare professionals began to develop an expertise in diagnosis and treatment of the condition. It was the dental community that began examining and seeking to understand TMJD. From this research and practical treatment, they began to uncover some science behind the temporomandibular joint and its role in the complex workings of the face, jaw and neck.

It soon came to light that there was a notable connection between osteopathic, soft tissue and neuro imbalances, and TMJD. From this discovery came the first treatment plans and rather than only providing pain relief, healthcare professionals began to treat the causes of some forms of the condition.

Long term research and ongoing studies continue in this area of dysfunction.

​Visit my RESOURCES page for stretching + exercise videos, health care providers in our area and interesting articles. ​

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Anne the RMT

practice @
59 Bruce Street - Wortley Village
London, Ontario N6C 1G6
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