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Our clients seek pain relief in common areas of tension. However, people frequently wonder if massage can help more serious pain disorders. At Compassion Massage, we thought it would be beneficial to highlight a specific orthopedic condition each month to give more insight into the true benefits of massage therapy.
Temporomandibular Joint disorder (commonly known as TMD or TMJ), is technically an umbrella term for a group of conditions that can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Doctors and dentists do not know what causes TMJ, but many believe that pain arises from problems with the muscles controlling your jaw movement or the actual joint itself. Pain can also be caused by a previous injury to the jaw or head, such as whiplash. The following are other common causes of TMJ pain:
- arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint)
- grinding/clenching teeth
- stress - causing the facial and jaw muscles to tighten
- movement of the soft tissue/disc between the ball and socket joint of the jaw
Unfortunatley, TMJ can cause intense pain and discomfort on both sides or just one side of the face and head. At Compassion Massage, we provide care for our clients who complain of headaches or the pain they feel in their jaw. TMJ pain can be temporary or it may last for many years. The good news is that it can be effectively managed with massage!
Since TMJ pain seems to be caused by tension in the muscles of the face and jaw, massage can help break up the tight tissue and release tension. Clients who come in and ask for specific work to relieve their TMJ pain often find relief when areas such as the scalp, temple, ears, jaw, neck, and even collar bone area are massaged.
Massage can help with more issues that you may even expect! Talk to your massage therapist at Compassion about anything you've been suffering with and experience how massage can change your outlook!
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