Self Treatment for Tmj

SELF TREATMENT FOR TMJ

MASSETERS AND TEMPORALIS

The masseters and temporalis muscles are two cranial structures that take the final toll of dysfunction that resonates from the kinetic chain from the bottom up.  Along with the cervical spine muscles we have just covered, these muscles will be the direct systems that initially react to stressful situations with a contraction.  The masseters and temporalis muscles are commonly associated with tension headaches and are often the region of musculature most soft tissue therapists will go after to relieve symptoms.  The problem with this logic is that it fails to address the kinetic link between these two muscles and the rest of the body.  

If the head has a faulty base to work off of, like a rounded thoracic cavity, it is quite likely a byproduct of inefficiency like a headache will rear its ugly head at one point or the other.  Once again, the root to this problem is not in the cranial structures, it starts from the pelvis and works its way up from there. All things said, these two myofascial release points will be life savers in times of major stress and will be helpful in balancing the cranial structures as a whole.  

When releasing the masseters, we will want to apply pressure and hold it still. Since the masseters do not cover much space, it is not necessary to move the theracane around much. For the temporalis, we will want to be more careful as it will cover a wider space on the cranium, but it will also be very thin.  Gently apply pressure on the thickest portions of it, then mobilize the theracane in cm sized circles.

MASSETERS SMR (THERACANE) 

To maximize the release in this muscle, we must find the soft spot in the upper and lateral portions of the mandible. When it is found we will apply a fair amount of pressure into the region to promote a relaxation. It is best to remain in one spot on the masseter as it is a relatively small muscle.

TEMPORALIS SMR (THERACANE) 

The temporalis can sometimes prove to be a difficult muscle to find due to how thin its structure is. The best approach one can take is to apply a light amount of pressure on the side of the cranium until a soft spot is found. Once that spot is located, a circular motion upon it will maximize its release. This can be quite the sensitive are and a gentle approach may bring about a better result.