What is TMJ and Jaw Pain?
TMJ is the abbreviation for Temporo Mandibular Joint - its the joint in your jaw. When this joint is dysfunctional or either or both sides, it can be incredibly painful and even debilitating.
Symptoms include jaw pain; clicking or popping when you open your jaw; grinding or clenching the teeth; inability to fully open the jaw; painful talking, chewing or facial expressions; headaches; associated with neck and upper back pain.
I assess jaw pain by checking for any dysfunctional movement when you open and close your jaw; feeling your TMJ for clicking and popping; checking referred pain patterns in your face and neck.
Symptoms include jaw pain; clicking or popping when you open your jaw; grinding or clenching the teeth; inability to fully open the jaw; painful talking, chewing or facial expressions; headaches; associated with neck and upper back pain.
I assess jaw pain by checking for any dysfunctional movement when you open and close your jaw; feeling your TMJ for clicking and popping; checking referred pain patterns in your face and neck.
What kinds of treatments help TMJ and Jaw Pain?
The techniques I've found that work the best for people with TMJ and Jaw Pain are Myofascial Release over the jaw and temporalis muscles, and intra oral release.
I always preface the intra oral work by saying this - it is NOT an enjoyable technique.
It involves me getting gloves on, and popping a finger inside your mouth to work on those jaw muscles from the inside and the outside. It doesn't at all sound appealing - but its life changing! Speaking as someone who personally gets TMJ treatment by my Myotherapist, I can really relate to how uncomfortable this is, but this is the one thing that has worked for my long term jaw issue, and I now love helping other people to get their jaw feeling and moving better again.
I always preface the intra oral work by saying this - it is NOT an enjoyable technique.
It involves me getting gloves on, and popping a finger inside your mouth to work on those jaw muscles from the inside and the outside. It doesn't at all sound appealing - but its life changing! Speaking as someone who personally gets TMJ treatment by my Myotherapist, I can really relate to how uncomfortable this is, but this is the one thing that has worked for my long term jaw issue, and I now love helping other people to get their jaw feeling and moving better again.
Get your treatment plan started!
Lets start with your Initial Consultation and Treatment.
A typical treatment plan for TMJ and Jaw Pain starts with treatments every 1-2 weeks, depending on how severe the pain and tightness is and how long its been an issue.
Personally, my jaw took about 4 fortnightly treatments, then moved to every 3rd week, then once a month, and now every 2nd month to keep on top of it.
Long term TMJ and Jaw Pain issues can stem from grinding, clenching or other dental issues, so if you haven't already done it, consider seeing your dentist in conjunction with your Myotherapy treatments.
A typical treatment plan for TMJ and Jaw Pain starts with treatments every 1-2 weeks, depending on how severe the pain and tightness is and how long its been an issue.
Personally, my jaw took about 4 fortnightly treatments, then moved to every 3rd week, then once a month, and now every 2nd month to keep on top of it.
Long term TMJ and Jaw Pain issues can stem from grinding, clenching or other dental issues, so if you haven't already done it, consider seeing your dentist in conjunction with your Myotherapy treatments.
See what others have to say
"I am a jaw clencher and get migraines.... Mel was excellent in treatment and gave advice for exercises for home. It was nice to meet a skilled Myotherapist. She was inviting and friendly and the environment was perfect. I would highly recommended her." Lynda
"Mel is such an incredible therapist. I have seen many, many massage therapists over the years and the relief I experienced after my session with Mel was unparalleled! She is knowledgeable, sensitive and respectful and really knows how to deal with pain." Erica
"It doesn't even feel like my jaw after the treatment. I don't think my jaw has opened like that in a long long time, and the pain stays away for weeks. The exercises are a bit weird, but I can tell the difference after I do them." Louise
"Mel is such an incredible therapist. I have seen many, many massage therapists over the years and the relief I experienced after my session with Mel was unparalleled! She is knowledgeable, sensitive and respectful and really knows how to deal with pain." Erica
"It doesn't even feel like my jaw after the treatment. I don't think my jaw has opened like that in a long long time, and the pain stays away for weeks. The exercises are a bit weird, but I can tell the difference after I do them." Louise
