Tempro Mandibular Joint Dysfunction

[mary c]

Was wondering if any of you have some advice or tips for someone with TMJ? I have had some Myofascial Release training for the head and neck and have also picked up a few things from Diana L. Thompson (author of Hands Heal).These are great for working on others, but am having trouble working on myself. But I am interested in other suggestions you have to help someone suffering from this problem. Which I believe is quite common.It was bothering me, has been getting steadily worse over the past year, so I had impressions taken for a dental splint.  I have had the dental splint for a week.And it just seems to be hurting worse.   I certainly would appreciate some hints on dealing with TMJ, both as the client/patient and the MT.  

 

[asdf1234]

Hi,I am a massage therapist who has (had) severe TMJD and I tried everything...I mean everything. From cranial sacral to myfacsial to energy work.  Nothing helped.  I know this is not massage, but I required massage after the procedure.  I had braces, and from grinding and biting wrong for years my bite was off.  My muscles were out of line as well.  I wore a bite gaurd at night, but as I was told, that created a perfect bite at night, but during the day,  I did not have a perfect bite.  Therefore creating the muscle pain.  I inquired to my dentist who had an idea...he gently filed my teeth to create a perfect bite.  It took 2 visits, did not hurt, and my muscles feel great.  I was hurting a little after each visit, but that was the muscle memory snapping into gear.  I have since not had any pain and let me tell you, my day would begin and end with pain.  I would take several naps a week to escape the pain.  But, after this dental procedure, I am wonderful.  No surgery, nothing.  I did however receive massage therapy on my neck and jaw after each visit.  I hope this helps.  If you have any questions just e-mail [email protected]

 

[demnity]

Also Maestra you might need some adjustments on your appliance.  I was a dental assistant for 7 yrs and I dont know anyone who didnt need to come in and get the appliance adjusted.  Be patient with the appliance and do wear it.  The other responce on here sounded great as well.  Be sure you go to a dentist who you trust though!  I hope your feeling better.  You can also place some warm towels on your muscles as well.

 

[Ruprect]

Tempro Mandibular Joint Dysfunction

Tri a N.M.T ( Neuromuscular Therapist ) tahy hav t raning in TMJ.

 

[Thegustaffa]

lovelace,I got my dental splint last week. It was checked on Monday and found to be fine. My next appt for that is in 6 months, though I will usually be at the dentist at least 1-2 times per month for them to do other procedures to repair my teeth and rebuild the correct bite.I am hoping to get massage for it soon, as I am pretty sure it would help.  I know I have helped client's with TMJ with the training I have had, even ones who have been going to a MFR trained MT for years.Sherri,Thanks for the encouragement. I have been told to wear it only 1 hour at a time. One hour in, one hour out.And mine attaches to the lower teeth only. I can wear it during the day and at night. I have worn it only a couple nights though, depending on how my mouth felt that day/night.  I have 2 dentists actually at the same practice. The dentist who does the actual dental work is really good and extremely patient and kind with me (We'll call him Dr. C.)The dentist who specializes in Orofascial pain (his partner) is the one who made the splint for me. I have a harder time with him, he tends to be a bit overwhelming. But we're getting used to each other with time. (We'll call him Dr. D.)I haven't tried the warm towels, but I have been using one of the herbal packs that can be microwaved on my neck, face and back.Robert,My only experience with NMT (after a car accident) was excruciatingly painful, not a good experience. Though I have been told by other MTs that it's not supposed to hurt that much.  Under so much pain now, I don't think I could work up my courage to try it again with someone else any time soon.

 

[bluejeanwifey]

Just wanted to update you all on my progress with the TMJ and the splint. I'm able to wear it for longer than an hour now and am also working on doing exercises for my TMJ that Dr. D gave me. 6 reps/6x per day.  (It's a lower splint only and is clear, so it can be worn both day and night.)I've ran across a cool website which proposed an interesting idea... that extension of the wrists tends to activate the scalenes and thus the jaw muscles.  Ever hear of a massage or bodywork technique called, Applied Motor Control? Apparently they do offer continuing education in California. The website is http://www.appliedmotorcontrol.com. is my first visit back to the dentist since the week after the splint was received to check for fit. (Which he said was fine.)  I'm a bit dental phobic, but I've been going there so much it's getting to be like a second home.   Though tomorrow they're not working on me... I'm working on them!    *hearty laughter*Yes, Dr. C and Dr. D have decided to "treat" the office staff to chair massage from me as part of their X-mas gift to the dental hygenists, receptionists, and other staff members.   ;DI'm delighted, after all this time receiving their work, to finally be able to show them some of what I do. And am hoping to have time to show them how great massage therapy can be for their other clients with TMJ. *Hoping for more referrals.*   8)