Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
by Melissa Boothroyd, Massage Therapy Student
The Temporomandibular joint consists of the Mandible, the largest and strongest bone of the face that forms the lower jaw and the Temporal bone which articulates with the Mandible superiorly via facets and condyles. ‘Anatomically the temporomandibular joint resembles the knee: it acts as a hinge, possessing many ligaments that both suspend and stabilize the jaw.’ (Trudy Bedard, TMJ manual 2008) There is a fibrocartilage disk that sits superior to the condyles on the mandible and attaches posteriorly on the temporal bone. This disc divides the joint into two separate compartments and functions to cushion the joint and sustain increased pressure upon compression from the motions of the jaw. There are many muscles that are associated with this joint, the most powerful being the Masseter which is the main masticatory (chewing) and closing muscle and to name a few more the Temporalis, Pterygoid, and the Digastrics. Many risk factors can lead to micro trauma of this joint including ‘excessive gum chewing, poor posture, jaw hyperactivity, bruxism ( teeth grinding), singing, smoking, playing a musical instrument, stress’. (Carolyn Kisner & Lynn Allen Colby, Therapeutic Exercise 5th edition, 2002) Most often the pain experienced is directly related to musculature surrounding the jaw.
The problematic muscles are compensating and trying to reposition the jaw to avoid pain which leads to tightness, spasms, and inflammation ‘massage treatment for the TMJ complex releases the muscles and allows nourishing blood to get into the painful tissues. This allows the healing process to begin!’ (Mark Bentz, Everest Therapeutics article, 2006)
One of the most groundbreaking cases that supports the positive effects of Massage Therapy on TMJ dysfunction is a case with a women, Maggie, who could not leave the house because of the severity of her jaw disorder ‘she would isolate herself socially because long conversations sparked excruciating pain.’ (Laura Sadler, CMT, About.com Holistic healing, TMJ treatment using Massage Therapy and Reiki, 2005)
Laura Sadler, CMT, put her client on a regular treatment plan using Reiki and Massage Therapy to control her symptoms. ‘Maggie experienced ringing in her ears, a condition know as Tinnitus, and developed Mastoditis, which produced such profound dizziness that she was unable to work or drive for more then a few minutes at a time.’ (Laura Sadler CMT, 2005) Laura saw Maggie weekly for 3 months and her symptoms were drastically reduced, she now drives without any dizziness, the muscles have relaxed, headaches and ringing decreased, and general pain levels have dropped immensely ‘after only a few months of regular Massage and Reiki Therapy, she has made dramatic progress in regaining her health and her life, a process that had previously eluded her.’ ( Laura Sadler, CMT, About.com Holisitic healing, TMJ treatment using Reiki and Massage for TMJ, 2005)
References:
- Byron, Su, April 2005, Sarasota magazine, volume 27 issue 7, p171-180)
- Bedard, Trudy, BSc, P.T., DO, 2008, Temporal-Mandibular joint manual
- Bentz, Mark, RMT, 2006. Everest Therapeutics Inc. Website
http://everesttherapeutics.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=91 - Colby, Allen Lynn and Kisner, Carolyn, 2002, Therapeutic Exercise 5th Edition
- Kukee, Glenn, RMT, 1998, Oral health sourcebook
- Sadler, Laura, CMT, 2005, TMJ treatment - using Reiki and Massage Therapy for TMJ, article on About. Com: Holistic healing, http://healing.about.com/cs/uc_directory/a/uc_sadler03.htm
