TMD Can be a Right Pain in the Jaw

I'm travelling back to Sheffield from bustling Brighton and the Jing Institute of Massage, having completed four full days of professional development on positional release, advanced massage of the ribs, thorax and abdomen, and an especially interesting deep dive into the temperomandibular joint (TMJ) aka. the jaw, and how to treat temperomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) using clinical massage.

The number of people who report having TMD and jaw pain has been on the rise since Covid, with women, neurodivergent folks and trans folks, particularly trans men, among those most often affected.

TMDs comprise a group of around 30 conditions and although symptoms vary between them, they are primarily characterised by clicking and popping noises in the jaw, and pain and stiffness when opening and closing the jaw. Meanwhile, secondary symptoms can include dizziness, migraines and headaches, tinnitus, earaches without infection, tooth pain without a diagnosable dental issue, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, and trismus, a condition which limits the range of motion of the jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth.

In the UK, manual therapy including massage is officially recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to treat TMD, and dental practitioners are advised to refer patients experiencing TMD-related symptoms to specialist body workers for treatment.

The clinical TMD treatment I offer in Sheffield includes a full in-person consultation and TMJ assessment, massage treatment and self-care strategy. 

The massage itself encompasses the neck and shoulders, as issues in these areas can contribute to and exacerbate TMD symptoms, along with thorough treatment of the temporalis in the sides of the head, and intra-oral treatment of the masseter and temporalis tendon in both sides of the mouth, because these muscles are key players in perpetuating TMD.

Issues in the jaw can also be closely related to the lower back, hips, glutes, hamstrings and abdomen so during our sessions there would also be a deeper focus on these areas using clinical massage, myofascial release, hot stones, trigger point therapy, stretching and acupressure.

TMJ pain and temporomandibular joint disorders can be incredibly painful and debilitating, but the good news is that there is effective treatment available, and it doesn't need to involve going down the more invasive routes of botox or surgery. In fact, the clinical treatment I offer has relaxation at its core because working in harmony with the central nervous system is crucial when trying to ease and resolve pain.

For optimum results, 4-6 weekly treatments are recommended, but of course I'm fully aware that there are financial and time constraints to consider, so you’re welcome to attend at the frequency that’s best for you. You can book a Clinical Massage for Chronic Pain session here.