TMJ Dysfunction

Myofascial pain is the most common type of pain associated with TMJ dysfunction. This is pain to the muscles surrounding and controlling the joint. The good news is that this pain can be successfully treated using intraoral massage.

TMJ dysfunction can be mild, moderate or severe. Headaches, tinnitus, pain behind your eyes, neck or shoulder pain, and even hearing loss, can all be TMJ dysfunction symptoms. Any disturbance of this facial symphony can trigger the characteristics of TMJ dysfunction.

Myofascial pain is the most common type of pain associated with TMJ dysfunction. This is pain to the muscles surrounding and controlling the joint. The good news is that this pain can be successfully treated using intraoral massage.

“I was having so much nerve pain around my temple area so he focused on four different [trigger] points around the temples, surprisingly that helped a lot. I could tell it improved because I was able to open my mouth when I ate, whereas before all I felt was pain.” – Jonathan H.

Fascia is composed of protein fibers, collagen and elastin. In its normal state fascia is fluid and pliable, allowing full, pain-free movement. When fascia experiences trauma, infection, injury, surgery or repetitive movement, these things can cause fascia to tighten, causing restriction.

The trigeminal nerve (the largest cranial nerve – CN V) is responsible for both sensory and motor information in the face and is crucial in the movement of the jaw muscles. If this nerve gets impaired due to tight fascia and muscles in the face and jaw it can cause pain.

Intraoral Massage is done on the inside of the mouth to provide myofascial release of specific muscles responsible for mastication – the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. Myofascial release is a technique that has been developed by medical doctors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and massage therapists since the 1940s. After receiving an Intraoral Massage from Glenn, you will have a feeling of ease opening your mouth, increased space, and wider range of motion in the jaw.

In addition, working outside the inner mouth like temporal and neck muscles will add benefits in loosening your jaw and softening the tight regions connected to your jaw. Please learn more about TMJ and the muscles involved in mastication so I can better help with your TMJ Dysfunction.

“Had such an incredible session with Glenn! He is extremely knowledgeable and also addresses pain at the root of the issue. Highly recommend him for those with jaw, neck, and shoulder pain. Also, I deeply appreciate the COVID measures he takes. I felt very safe; he goes above & beyond with his safety precautions which made the experience that much better.”- Isabelle M.

“I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome of the hot stone massage I received from Glenn. He was very personable and made sure to focus on the areas I was feeling the most pain. After my massage I definitely felt like the weight was lifted off my shoulders. I could tell I was standing straighter and my body wasn’t so stiff! I also told him I was having so much nerve pain around my temple area so he focused on four different [trigger] points around the temples, surprisingly that helped a lot. I could tell it improved because I was able to open my mouth when I ate whereas before all I felt was pain. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who is interested [in a] massage.” – Jonathan H.

Educational TMJ Dysfunction Material

With my his personal journey of TMJ Dysfunction Glenn had the opportunity to learn more and research about the tempormandibular joint. It became the subject of his kinesiology project during his time at the San Francisco School of Massage and Bodywork.