TMJ & Jaw Treatment Gold Coast

Relieve jaw tension, ease discomfort and improve movement

Jaw pain and tension can be more than just a problem with the jaw.

The jaw, neck, upper back and rib cage work together as part of a connected system. Tension or changes in movement in one area can influence another, which is why jaw treatment at Bodywork Evolution takes a whole-body approach.

If you experience jaw pain, clicking, headaches, facial tension, or difficulty opening your mouth comfortably, targeted jaw massage and manual therapy may help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.

What is TMJ dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. Together with the surrounding muscles, they allow you to talk, chew, yawn and move your jaw.

Problems affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles are commonly referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Jaw symptoms can develop for many different reasons. Muscles may become overactive or work less efficiently, while factors such as stress, teeth grinding, injury or prolonged periods with the mouth open may contribute to jaw tension and discomfort.

What can cause jaw pain and tension?

There can be several contributing factors, including:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Stress and increased muscle tension
• Jaw or facial injury
• Overactive or tight jaw muscles
• Changes in jaw movement
• Dental procedures requiring the mouth to remain open for an extended period
• Neck and upper-body tension
• Postural and movement changes

Sometimes there isn’t one obvious cause. This is why looking at the jaw, neck and upper body together can be useful.

Your jaw, neck, ribs and upper back are connected

The jaw does not work in isolation.

The muscles and connective tissues around the jaw are closely related to the neck and upper body. The cervical spine, thoracic spine and ribs all contribute to how the head, neck and shoulders are positioned and move.

Changes in the thoracic spine or rib cage can influence the muscles around the neck and shoulder girdle, which may, in turn, affect how the jaw moves and how much tension is held in the face.

This interconnected relationship is why treatment may extend beyond the jaw itself.

It is all linked.

Rather than focusing only on the painful area, treatment can consider the jaw, neck, upper back, ribs, and surrounding soft tissues to understand the bigger picture.

What are the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction?

Jaw and TMJ problems can present in different ways. You may experience:

• Pain or tenderness around one or both sides of the jaw
• Jaw clicking or popping
• Difficulty or discomfort when opening the mouth
• Jaw catching or feeling restricted
• Facial or cheek tension
• Headaches
• Neck pain or tension
• Tightness around the shoulders
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Increased tooth wear was identified by your dentist

You don’t need to have all of these symptoms to benefit from having the jaw and surrounding areas assessed.

What is TMJ Massage?

TMJ massage, also known as jaw massage, uses targeted manual therapy to address tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw, face and neck.

Treatment can begin with the muscles around the outside of the jaw before progressing to the neck, upper back and other areas that may be contributing to tension.

Where appropriate, intra-oral massage can also be used to access muscles inside the mouth.

Intra-oral treatment involves wearing gloves and gently working on specific muscles within the oral cavity. This can help address areas of muscular tension that cannot be reached effectively from the outside.

Treatment is always adapted to your comfort and individual needs.

A whole-body approach to jaw treatment

At Bodywork Evolution, jaw treatment may combine:

• External jaw massage
• Intra-oral massage
• Myofascial release
• Soft tissue techniques
• Neck and upper-back treatment
• Rib and thoracic mobility work
• Joint mobilisation, where appropriate
• Movement and exercise

The aim is to reduce unnecessary muscular tension, improve movement and help you better understand the factors that may be contributing to your jaw symptoms.

Because the jaw, neck, thoracic spine and ribs are interconnected, treating the surrounding areas can be an important part of a comprehensive approach to jaw and TMJ problems.

Jaw pain doesn’t have to be something you simply put up with.

If you experience jaw pain, TMJ tension, clicking, headaches, facial tension or neck and jaw discomfort, a personalised assessment can help identify the movement and muscular factors involved.

Book a jaw massage and TMJ treatment appointment with Bodywork Evolution on the Gold Coast.

Sessions are by appointment only 

Book Online

 To find out more call: 0416864841

or

email: bodyworkevolution@gmail.com