By Claire Sands
TMJ WITH CLAIRE
What you need to know, and how I can help you with pain and tension relief!
What is TMJ?
TMJ stands for Temporal-Mandibular Joint, which is located in front of each ear connecting the lower jaw to the upper jaw. The TMJ is held together by ligaments supporting the jaw and guiding its movements. Several muscles are connected to those ligaments and aid in the opening and closing of the mouth.
Often discomfort can be felt in the area surrounding the TMJ, where movement is restricted or the jaw becomes misaligned. This can be caused by teeth grinding, jaw clenching due to stress, jaw injury or whiplash, poor posture, osteoarthritis or dislocation of the articular disc.
Some symptoms of facial tension include:
Heaviness around the eyes
Jaw clicking
Tingling
Headaches
Neck aches
Discomfort around the jaw
Areas tender to touch on jaw and under eyebrows
The most common areas of tension are felt in the head, such as the temporal, neck and shoulders known as the stress triangle. Tension in these areas can stem from the TMJ, so treating this as the source often helps to relieve the discomfort felt.
Benefits include:
Reduced tension and a better flow of nutrients to the tissue
Reduction of excess fluid and puffiness
Reduced stress and anxiety
Management of chronic pain in effected area
Increase of muscle memory
My Technique:
I have nine years experience in Massage Therapy and specialise in treating TMJ disorders and facial tension. My treatments are a combination of techniques taken from Japanese and Indian Massage, and includes Remedial Massage, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release to the jaw (an effective intra-oral technique designed to release internal muscles).
I take a whole body approach when working with clients and the initial treatment includes consultation, assessment of the hips and massage to the upper body. I believe it is important to first free up tension in the back and shoulder muscles to aid circulation and relaxation to the head, neck and face. Depending on how the body responds and the severity of the symptoms, one or more follow up sessions are often required for longer lasting results.
I also offer a Bespoke Facial Massage for those looking for more of an anti-ageing treatment. Whilst still relieving tension, this treatment targets the 50+ muscles to lift, tone and sculpt the facial muscles resulting in a natural face-lift. This is a treatment for anyone looking to create definition, enhance contours and tighten skin.
If you’re in need of advice about symptoms linked with jaw pain, or for more information on any of my treatments, you can contact me!
t: 07535 505362 e:claire@massageonthemind.com