Can Massage Help TMJD and Jaw Pain?
Discover Relief from TMJD and Jaw Tightness with Intraoral Massage and Craniosacral Therapy
Living with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) and chronic jaw tightness can be incredibly painful and disruptive. These conditions often result in headaches, facial pain, and difficulty with basic functions like chewing and speaking. At Bloom Bodywork in Portland, Oregon, we offer specialized treatments such as intraoral massage and craniosacral therapy that effectively target and alleviate these issues.
Understanding TMJD and Jaw Tightness
TMJD affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint is crucial for everyday activities such as talking, chewing, and yawning. When it becomes misaligned or dysfunctional, it can lead to pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include:
Jaw pain and tenderness
Headaches and earaches
Difficulty chewing
Lockjaw or limited jaw movement
Facial unevenness
Chronic jaw tightness can stem from various factors, including stress, poor posture, and habitual teeth grinding or clenching.
The Power of Intraoral Massage
Intraoral massage is a highly effective technique for addressing TMJD and jaw tightness. This type of massage involves gentle manipulation of the muscles inside the mouth. By accessing the muscles from within, therapists can release deep-seated tension that external massage alone cannot reach. We at Bloom Bodywork in Portland Oregon have been trained by physical therapists to do intraoral massage for TMJ issues.
Benefits of Intraoral Massage:
Pain Relief: Directly targeting the muscles involved including the pterygoids and masseter, can significantly reduce pain and discomfort.
Improved Mobility: Releasing muscle tension in the jaw and temporal muscles can help restore normal jaw function and mobility.
Reduced Inflammation: The techniques we use promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
At Bloom Bodywork, our therapists perform intraoral massage with the utmost care and professionalism, ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment experience. We re also trained in craniosacral therapy and are able to unwind fascial restrictions without using excessive and aggressive techniques.
Craniosacral Therapy for Chronic Holding Patterns
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is another powerful modality we offer at Bloom Bodywork. CST focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This gentle, hands-on therapy helps release restrictions and improve the functioning of the central nervous system and unwind chronic holding patterns in the body including jaw clenching.
How Craniosacral Therapy Helps:
Releases Tension: CST works on the deeper layers of tissue and fascia, addressing chronic holding patterns that contribute to TMJD and jaw tightness.
Enhances Relaxation: The gentle nature of CST promotes deep relaxation, which can alleviate stress-related symptoms and quiets the mind.
Holistic Healing: By improving the central nervous system's function, CST supports overall health and well-being. Reducing stress and anxiety is it’s main function.
Why Choose Bloom Bodywork?
At Bloom Bodywork in Portland, each client connection is sacred. Our holistic approach integrates advanced Therapeutic Massage techniques like intraoral massage and somatic nervous system support, like craniosacral therapy to provide comprehensive care. We have been working with folks for 13 years helping them find balance in their lives. We would love to help you find relief from TMJD and jaw tightness! Schedule a therapeutic massage to receive this service. Book Online Now
