Effective Massage for TMJ- How to massage temporomandibular joint
Temporomandibular pain, or TMJ disorder, is caused by the spasm of muscles around the lower jaw. Excessive chewing or teeth grinding can lead to TMJ pain. The TMJ muscles get inflamed under constant stress and are tender to touch. But do you know a simple joint massage can help relieve the pain?
Now the question is how to massage temporomandibular joint? The information provided below will briefly discuss the effective massage therapies for TMJ. It should, however, be noted that massage therapy should first be performed under supervision. In cases of extreme pain, you must consult your dentist before proceeding with the massage treatments.
Effective massages – how to massage temporomandibular joint
There are mainly three types of effective massage therapies for relief. It should be noted that proper technique is the key to effective pain management. Take proper guidance from our experts at Advanced Dental Clinic Delhi before proceeding.
TMJ kneading massage
It is the circular motion massage of the temporomandibular joint. The muscle targetted is the masseter muscle of the jaw. The first step is the location of the muscle. It is present behind the molars and can be felt when you clench your teeth. If you palpate using your fingers, go back from the angle of your mouth to your molar region. A thick muscle band is felt, running downward from the cheekbones vertically. Once you feel the muscle, use your two fingers to give a massage in a circular motion. The circular motion done repeatedly increases the blood flow. The constant movement will help improve lymphatic drainage and relieve the pain by removing the inflammatory waste. Continue the massage till you find some relief. Experiment with the different locations on the muscle band to find your sweet spot for optimum relief.
TMJ friction massage
For some individuals, the circular motion is insufficient for adequate relief. TMJ friction massage is an alternative for such cases. First, locate the jaw muscle near the jawline below the masseter muscle. Use your index fingers to apply gentle pressure on the muscle for some relief. Be gentle with your approach, and do not apply more pressure. Each individual is different, so you must find the best spot for applying pressure for maximum relief. Just ensure that you are applying gentle pressure and not too much force. If you experience pain while massaging, do not continue, and report it to our team at Advanced Dental Clinic Delhi for proper guidance.
TMJ stretching massage
It is similar to the TMJ friction massage and will likely get more relief. In this way, the stretching action of the muscle helps reduce the muscle’s soreness.
- Place your thumbs parallel to the jawline just above the mandible muscle
- Press on the muscle using your thumb, slowly stretching it away from the maxilla ( upper jaw)
- You can also place your two fingers of one hand on the masseter and the fingers of the other one on the mandible
- Press your fingers slowly toward each other and hold the position for a few seconds before relaxing