If you experience tight, tired, or sore muscles around your jaw, you are not alone. Jaw discomfort can have a number of contributing factors, and for some people, clenching or grinding their teeth may be one of them. Clenching and grinding can be associated with stress and anxiety, but they may also occur for a variety of other reasons, including during sleep.
When the muscles involved in chewing are repeatedly or excessively activated, some people may notice muscle tension, tenderness, headaches, facial discomfort, or changes in how comfortably they open and close their mouth. Some people may also experience clicking or popping around the jaw.
What is the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. They work together with the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck to allow movements such as speaking, chewing, yawning, and opening and closing the mouth.
Jaw-related symptoms can involve the muscles, the joints, or both. Because there can be several possible contributing factors, the presence of jaw pain, clicking, or muscle tension does not necessarily indicate one particular cause or diagnosis.
TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that can involve the temporomandibular joints and/or the muscles involved in chewing. Symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. Some people may experience clicking or popping without significant discomfort, while others may experience pain, muscle tenderness, or difficulty with comfortable jaw movement.
How Can Massage Therapy Help?
Conservative approaches are commonly used when addressing jaw-related symptoms. Depending on the individual’s presentation, these approaches may include self-care strategies, therapeutic exercises, relaxation techniques, postural awareness, and manual therapy such as massage.
Massage therapy may be considered when muscular tension or tenderness is contributing to a person’s symptoms. Treatment may focus on the muscles around the jaw, face, head, neck, and shoulders, depending on the individual’s needs and the therapist’s assessment.
Some people may experience a reduction in muscle tension or discomfort following massage, while others may notice changes in how comfortably they move their jaw. Responses to treatment can vary, and massage may be more helpful for some people than others.
Massage therapy is not intended to diagnose the underlying cause of jaw symptoms or to replace assessment by a dentist, physician, or other appropriate healthcare professional when one is needed.
What Can You Expect From a TMJ-Focused Massage Session?
A TMJ-focused massage session may include assessment and treatment of the muscles associated with jaw movement, as well as related areas of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Your therapist may ask about symptoms such as:
- Jaw or facial tension
- Clenching or grinding
- Headaches
- Jaw tenderness
- Clicking or popping
- Difficulty or discomfort when opening the mouth
- Discomfort while chewing or yawning
- Neck or shoulder tension
Treatment will be individualized based on your symptoms, comfort level, and the therapist’s assessment.
For some people, addressing muscular tension may be one part of a broader approach to managing jaw-related discomfort. Depending on the symptoms and their possible cause, additional assessment or treatment from another healthcare professional may also be appropriate.
When Should You Seek Further Assessment?
Jaw symptoms can have many possible causes. If you are experiencing persistent, severe, or worsening pain, significant difficulty opening or closing your mouth, changes following an injury, or other symptoms that concern you, it may be appropriate to seek assessment from a dentist, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional.
A collaborative approach can be particularly helpful when symptoms involve more than the muscles surrounding the jaw.
A Conservative Approach to Care
For people experiencing muscular tension or discomfort around the jaw, massage therapy may be one conservative option to consider. While some people may find it helpful, individual results vary, and there is no single treatment that is appropriate or effective for everyone.
Our goal is to provide individualized care based on your symptoms and comfort while recognizing when additional assessment or care may be appropriate.
Jemma has been with Flow since March 2020. She is lymphatic massage therapist with extra training in TMJ treatments. She has experience in post surgical care as well as lymphedema and lipedema.