Here is a common occurrence in my bodywork practice: a patient comes in for treatment of their upper back and neck tension. We have a detailed conversation about their symptoms and goals, and then right before we begin the massage they say, “oh yeah, and my jaw is really tight. But it’s always been that way.” Jaw pain and tension is so common that most people forget to mention it. What’s more, people get so used to the pain that they don’t realize it’s treatable. Luckily, massage can provide great relief for folks who suffer from jaw pain.
The jaw is called the Temporomandibular joint, often shortened to TMJ, and it has a unique structure unlike any other joint in the body. Part of what makes it unique is that it’s two joints in one (one joint on each side, connected by your lower jaw bone). You cannot move one side of your jaw without moving the other; the two joints move in sync. What this means in practice is that symptoms originating from one side of the jaw can easily travel to the other side, making it hard to figure out where the root cause of the issue is. In addition, TMJ function hinges on the teeth being in proper alignment, and if they aren’t then the jaw joint itself will adjust, causing pain in the joint and spasming in the muscles of the face. Needless to say, this is a sensitive and complex joint bringing about a variety of uncomfortable symptoms when it is not functioning well.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (called TMJD, or TMD) is the umbrella term for issues with the jaw. Fun fact: most people incorrectly refer to their issue as TMJ when the correct title is actually TMJD or TMD. There are over 30 unique disorders that can affect the jaw, from clenching (bruxism) to clicking or popping to lockjaw. Even symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ear) can be traced back to issues with the TMJ.
Massage can help treat TMJD in a variety of ways:
- Myofascial and soft tissue techniques on the face and jaw muscles can provide a ton of relief to the TMJ.
- Craniosacral therapy helps to free up restrictions in the bones and membranes of the head and face, helping the TMJ function more smoothly. Read more about craniosacral therapy here.
- Intraoral work (massage with a gloved hand directly in a patient’s mouth) takes the healing one step further, addressing hard-to-reach jaw muscles. (Treatments available with Elley).
- Massage reduces overall stress, helping a patient relax tension in all parts of their body.
If you’re suddenly realizing that your jaw has been in pain ever since 8th grade when you chewed gum all hours of the day, it’s time for you to make an appointment! Your jaw does not have to feel stiff, tense, or painful. Relief is possible, and we want to help you get there.
Elley Cannon, LMT studied massage at East West College of the Healing Arts and Advanced Craniosacral Therapy at Moving Mountain Institute. She enjoys the puzzling and quantum nature of the body’s signals and will work with clients to unpack the clues that their body is giving them to form a treatment plan for recovery. Aside from massage work, Elley is passionate about fantasy & Sci-fi, psychedlic therapy, and dance.
Elley Cannon, LMT
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