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The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), also known as the jaw joint, is the connection of the mandible, which is the jaw bone and the temporal bone which is part of the scull. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body and has many components such as: Bones, teeth, ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles. TMJ dysfunction can affect any of the joint components, although most complaints from sufferers of the Dysfunction seem to involve the muscles.
Some causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction are:
- Imbalances in the muscles around the jaw resulting from spasms and trigger points (knots)
- Muscle overuse for things like chewing gum, or chewing on one side of the mouth
- Increased stress leading to jaw clenching, or teeth grinding
- Trauma, like a blow to the jaw, or holding the head under the chin with the hands when sitting
- Bad posture, which can lead to muscle imbalances and therefore joint instability and compensation by the jaw muscles
The Massage Therapy treatment for TMJ dysfunction includes relaxing the muscles of the shoulders, neck and upper back, as well as more focused treatment of the muscles of mastication (chewing). It can also involve an intra-oral treatment, where the Registered Massage Therapist uses a glove and massages the muscles inside the month. This treatment will have the therapist and client in direct communication at all times and the therapist will stop often to make sure the client is feeling comfortable during the entire session.
