A Whole Mind-Body Approach to Managing TMJ Dysfunction
There are many causes of TMJ disorders - things we may not even be aware of such as breathing and airway dysfunction giving rise to snoring or sleep apnea, as well as tooth grinding, jaw clenching, trauma, stress, muscle tension and fascial restrictions.
And maybe something that you weren't aware of, the TMJ is a holding bay for stress and difficult emotions. They are the the points at which stress, rage and frustration gets stuck, words get swallowed and anger gets suppressed.
How many times have you:
- Gone to say NO - but ended up saying YES instead?
- Gone to say what you really feel.. but swallowed those words at the last minute?
- Kept quiet to keep the peace?
- Suppressed your anger, rage or frustration?
- Felt as if you can't speak your truth.
The jaw is the gateway of expression, and when you feel unsafe, unheard or under pressure, the jaw tightens and that unspoken energy of expression gets locked into the joints.
The TMJ may be small, but they hold a lot - and this physical or emotional pressure can be felt as tension, pain, clicking, clenching or teeth grinding.
If you are here, reading this, you probably know exactly what I am talking about. Read on for ways that I can support you in managing this dysfunction and unlocking the tension that is being held.
If you have been down all the other routes - Physio, Osteopath, Chiropractor, Doctor, Dentist and everything else in between, and you still have symptoms of TMJ discomfort and dysfunction, then this approach may well be for you. This method works, not just in or around the jaw itself, but by releasing restrictions and tension throughout muscle and fascial networks. This has the potential to unlock tension in the face head, neck, shoulders, back, hips - and the jaw itself.
The symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can be widespread due these fascial links, but the TMJ is the area where the pain and tightness can become focused or locked in. You may become aware of:
- Jaw pain, tension and clicking, popping or clenching
- Tooth grinding, pain and sensitivity
- Muscle tension and pain in the neck, shoulder, back and pelvis.
- Headaches, migraines and chronic sinus pressure
- Tinnitus or "swimmy" muffled feeling in the ears
- Dizziness and nausea
- Tired eyes and chronic eyestrain
- Tendonitis in the arms and tingling in the fingers
This is why the approach that I take involves a multi-disciplinary approach to relieve the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
A Whole Body Approach to Managing TMJ - Jaw Dysfunction
The ideal therapy for supporting TMJ dysfunction and jaw discomfort, jaw clicking, jaw clenching and teeth grinding - and all possible associated symptoms listed above.
Each treatment is bespoke - no two treatments are ever the same, as each client's symptoms will be completely different. The cause will be different, and the approach will be focused on you and your presenting symptoms.
What I can say though, is that the tools that I have at my disposal are varied and therapeutically perfect for TMJ release. I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 40 years now, and a holistic therapist for over 20 years. Working therapeutically with TMJ dysfunction and jaw release, is the perfect blend of my clinical dental knowledge and experience and holistic professions ~ Who knew that they would come together so perfectly.
The treatment protocols that I have at my disposal include:
- Remedial massage and myofascial release techniques - from the neck and shoulders through to the hips and the feet.
- Facial Reflexology, facial massage with Gua Sha and Facial Acupressure
- Intra-oral buccal massage
- Indian Head Massage and Cranial Reflexology
- Reflexology and Foot Massage
- Therapeutic relaxation techniques such as Mindfulness, Meditation and Self-Care techniques.
- Reiki Healing
75 minute treatment ~ Releasing TMJ restrictions from the head to the feet ~ £89