Shiatsu for TMJ Treatment in Bucks County PA
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)–the hinge joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull–can be painful.
Conventional medicine frequently misunderstands TMJ pain (often called ‘tight jaw syndrome’). The most common recommended approach is painkillers, which may temporarily relieve the pain, but do not address its root causes. In the most severe cases, conventional doctors will even recommend surgery.
Shiatsu is an effective, natural approach that begins with understanding the structure of the jaw and temporal area, and then applies pressure to key points to help restore balance and normal function.
Qualified and experienced shiatsu practitioners at the Cryo Spa Natural Healing Center are ready to help relieve your TMJ pain.
What is causing your TMJ pain?
TMJ disorders are usually the result of one of the following (or a combination of them):
- Dislocation of the joint itself
- Dislocation of the cushioning disc in the joint, or
- Hypertension of the muscles surrounding this joint, which exerts pressure on it.
Pressure can build up over the years and lead to clicking and popping sensations, tightness, and eventually to chronic pain. This is sometimes worsened when a patient has dental work done, which affects the bite and changes the dynamic of the muscles around the joint.
Even daily activities can worsen pain. This includes habits such as:
- Sleeping on your stomach – this exerts a lot of pressure on the TMJ joint. It’s better to sleep on your back, but not with a big pillow.
- Holding the phone to your ear with your shoulder – this not only tightens the muscles in your neck and puts pressure on the jaw joint, but can create other problems too.
- Chewing gum – which tightens the muscles and compresses nerves around your jaw, creating pressure on the TMJ joint.
How can shiatsu help with TMJ pain?
Many patients who come to us have been experiencing jaw, ear, sinus and/or headache pain for years and have learnt to live with it.
We use a combination of shiatsu and trigger points work to relieve pressure on the surrounding muscles of the join; this restores balance to the structure, alleviates the pain, and clears blockages in the energy meridians.
Your practitioner will also provide an emotional/behavioral perspective on your disorder. Holding back from expressing yourself can create blockages in meridian lines and holdings in connective tissue. If not taken care of, these short term problems can become a chronic issue.
You will also learn steps you can take to prevent your TMJ pain from returning, such as massaging the muscles along your jawline, above and just behind your ears, and in your neck, as well as stretching the mouth muscles.
Progress may mean changing some deeply set habits, but the results are worth it.
How can you be sure it works?
Shiatsu has become a critical part of many patients’ programs for TMJ pain. We welcome you to experience similar results.
Book a consultation or call 215-355-3929
It’s free and confidential