Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction:
The temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw and is frequently referred to as TMJ. There are two TMJs, one on each side, working in unison. Pain or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is commonly referred to as "TMJ", when in fact, TMJ is really the name of the joint, and Temporomandibular joint disorder (or dysfunction) is abbreviated TMD. This term is used to refer to a group of problems involving the TMJs and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other tissues associated with them1.
One or both joints may be involved and depending on the severity, can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe. The Pain of TMJ is often described as a dull, aching pain which comes and goes in the jaw joint and nearby areas. Some people, however, report no pain, but still have problems using their jaws.2
Massage Therapy is beneficial in the treatment of TMJ as it decrease muscle pain and increase range of motion in the jaw and neck, as well as help with the healing of ligaments and tendons in the jaw.
References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint
2 http://tmj.org/site/content/tmjd-basics.
One or both joints may be involved and depending on the severity, can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe. The Pain of TMJ is often described as a dull, aching pain which comes and goes in the jaw joint and nearby areas. Some people, however, report no pain, but still have problems using their jaws.2
Massage Therapy is beneficial in the treatment of TMJ as it decrease muscle pain and increase range of motion in the jaw and neck, as well as help with the healing of ligaments and tendons in the jaw.
References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint
2 http://tmj.org/site/content/tmjd-basics.