First off, everybody has TMJ...because this refers to the name of a the joint in the jaw, and we have two, one on each side of the jaw. TMJ is the Temporomandibular joint, where the mandible hinges in the temporalis bone of the skull.
When there is an imbalance and subsequently pain, clicking, headaches, grinding while sleeping...then we have a dysfunction of this joint and we now have TMJD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction-- which is treatable and is not a condition everyone has.
Why is this important? The jaw opens and close 2,000-3,000 times each day, we rely upon this jaw for chewing and talking and dysfunction here has widespread effects. Countless people have longstanding patterns of clenching their jaws from stress, muscular tension imbalances from chronic postural issues, residual problems from dental procedures etc. As with everywhere in the body we are seeking as close to a state of balance or homestasis between the influencing forces, and with the jaw we want a balance of tension between the muscles that open and close the jaw, as well as the side to side balance of the mandible.
Fortunately with precise palpation many of these issues are treatable and in many cases reversible. TMJD is not an incurable condition but an imbalance that can be ameliorated.
Over the last ten years of practicing massage I have helped clients reduce their jaw pain, improve their clicking and grinding issues, and reduce headaches from everyone from teachers to professional singers. This work can help those suffering but also can fine tune those that rely on their jaw in their profession as a businessperson, public speaker, or performer.
With covid presenting new and ongoing challenges, intra-oral massage (massage inside the mouth) is limited but many of the involved structures can nonetheless be treated and balance can be restored.
