TMJ Massage
TMJ massage therapies is a massage treatment focusing primarily on the TMJ, face, neck & head. TMJ Myofascial Release techniques, trigger point therapy and remedial massage can help relieve fascial & TMJ pain. This treatment at Tampa Bay Sports & Medical Massage is subtle, relaxing and effective.
Myofascial release is a technique that has been developed by medical doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and massage therapists since the 1940s. Fascia is the main connective tissue in the body. Fascia surrounds every cell, muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel in the body, creating a three-dimensional web which spreads from head to toe.
Structurally fascia consists of protein fibers, collagen for strength and elastin for flexibility, and a fluid ‘packing material’ which is found in all body tissues. In its normal state fascia is fluid and pliable, allowing full, pain-free movement. However, fascia is vulnerable to trauma from accident, infection, injury, surgery or repetitive movement. Such trauma causes fascia to tighten, solidify and develop restrictions. Over time these myofascial restrictions can lead to poor biomechanics, altered structural alignment, compromised blood supply and even TMJ pain.
“Myofascial Release opens and re-hydrates the human system for the coherent flow of frequency, vibration, information and organization necessary for the health and quality of life.”
— John Barnes, PT
How Does TMJ Massage Work?
Myofascial release at our South Tampa massage center is a non-invasive, gentle hands-on soft tissue technique that works on the fascia to release restrictions. The technique involves applying a gentle stretch to the restricted fascia until resistance is felt. Sustained pressure is then applied for 90-120 seconds or more until the therapist senses the first myofascial releases. As these releases occur the therapist can follow the trail of further restrictions until the tissue becomes softer and more pliable. These releases take the pressure off pain sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels and restore alignment and mobility to muscles and joints.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most of the pain associated with TMJ (the temporomandibular joint on either side of your head, where your skull and lower jawbone meet) can be treated without surgery. Massage is one of many techniques that can help address the cause of TMJ disorders.
Contact Our Tampa Medical Massage Therapists
At Tampa Sports & Medical Massage we can help you to be free of jaw pain associated with TMJ disorder. Schedule an appointment with one of our licensed massage therapists today.