8 Best Practices to Help Manage Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Ever feel like your jaw is living a life of its own? Clicking, popping, or a dull ache that just won't quit? You might be dealing with a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
TMJ disorders are a collection of conditions affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. While the exact cause can vary, TMJ issues can be incredibly uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life.
The good news? There are ways to manage TMJ pain and regain control. Here at MyoCare Registered Massage Therapy, we see many clients struggling with TMJ, and we've compiled some helpful tips to get you started:
1. Find Your Resting Position: When your jaw is relaxed, your teeth shouldn't touch. Practice keeping your lips together with your teeth slightly apart. This simple posture awareness can help reduce strain on the joint.
2. Posture Matters: Slouching can put extra stress on your jaw. Focus on sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Good posture benefits your whole body, not just your jaw!
3. Say Night to Nighttime Grinding: Clenching or grinding your teeth at night can exacerbate TMJ pain. Talk to your dentist about a night guard to protect your jaw while you sleep.
4. Heat it Up or Cool it Down: Both heat and ice can be helpful for TMJ pain relief. Apply a warm compress to relax muscles or a cold compress to reduce inflammation. Use a thin towel between the compress and your skin for 15-20 minute intervals.
5. Manage Your Stress: Stress can worsen TMJ symptoms. Explore relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help keep your stress levels in check.
6. Mind What You Munch: Certain foods that require a lot of chewing can aggravate TMJ pain. Opt for softer foods cut into bite-sized pieces, and avoid chewy candies or gum.
7. Exercise Your Jaw (Carefully): Gentle jaw stretches and exercises can improve flexibility and reduce pain. However, it's important to be gentle and avoid any movements that cause discomfort. Talk to a registered massage therapist (RMT) about safe and effective TMJ exercises.
8. Don't Forget the Power of Massage: Massage therapy can be a powerful tool for managing TMJ pain. RMTs can use specific techniques to target tight muscles around the jaw joint, promote relaxation, and improve blood flow, all of which can contribute to pain relief.
Finding Relief at MyoCare Registered Massage Therapy
If you're struggling with TMJ pain, you don't have to suffer in silence. At MyoCare Registered Massage Therapy, our experienced RMTs can create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. We can help you manage pain, improve mobility, and get back to enjoying life without worrying about your jaw.
Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about how massage therapy can help you manage your TMJ disorder. To learn more about the massage services we offer, please click here. To contact us, please click here or call us at (416) 995-6601 or email us at myocarermt@gmail.com.