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TMJ

Does anyone have moderate to intermediate experience with massage for TMJ? Just wondering if you have a preference for external v. internal treatment and why.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thomas Patrick Hagerty on October 5, 2009 at 11:45pm

IMHO, since TMJ is often coupled with neck imbalance, I find myself getting the longest lasting results for TMJ by correcting cervical spine imbalance. I have done internal TMJ treatments, but only after cervical spine and exterior jaw work. I feel that going internal right away might just be chasing pain symptoms, without creating a balanced platform for the jaw.

Permalink Reply by LaRae Fjellman on October 7, 2009 at 5:08pm

Hi Steph, What I have found in my 20 years of experience, is that TMJ can have many underlying issues. Modalities that have been most helpful in dealing with chronic TMJ are acupuncture, biofeedback, organ "singing or sounding", CST, emotional work, and a professionally fitted mouth guard. External/internal work is helpful, but until the underlying issue is addressed the work is short term.

Permalink Reply by Steph Lasch, LCMT on October 7, 2009 at 10:42pm

Thanks for the feedback - it's always good to know what other therapists are doing. I really enjoy doing external jaw work myself - don't have the experience or expertise to do cervical spine corrections.

Thomas Patrick Hagerty said:

IMHO, since TMJ is often coupled with neck imbalance, I find myself getting the longest lasting results for TMJ by correcting cervical spine imbalance. I have done internal TMJ treatments, but only after cervical spine and exterior jaw work. I feel that going internal right away might just be chasing pain symptoms, without creating a balanced platform for the jaw.

Permalink Reply by Steph Lasch, LCMT on October 7, 2009 at 10:46pm

Exactly - I couldn't agree with you more. One of my clients continually seeks me out for TMJ relief; I suspect my client's stressful career is partially to blame for the constant jaw clenching and grinding. In efforts to provide relief, I primarily work on the external jaw and it seems to provide my client with enough relief to make it worthwhile. Thanks for the reply!

LaRae Fjellman said:

Hi Steph, What I have found in my 20 years of experience, is that TMJ can have many underlying issues. Modalities that have been most helpful in dealing with chronic TMJ are acupuncture, biofeedback, organ "singing or sounding", CST, emotional work, and a professionally fitted mouth guard. External/internal work is helpful, but until the underlying issue is addressed the work is short term.