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A Massage Therapy Approach to TMJ Dysfunction – John W. Corry, RMT
John has been a valuable member of the Wholistic Bodyworks team since 1999 and is a graduate from the Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic in Toronto (1989). He has presented at various massage therapy conferences, international fitness symposiums as well as written for a national massage therapy magazine.
Since 1996 John has focused his practice toward TMJ cases, utilizing a massage therapy approach to conditions affecting the Temporomandibular Joint or jaw. The jaw is frequently unacknowledged as a source of pain in many head, neck, face, and vocal conditions. People who experience headaches or have been in motor vehicle accidents, sport or work site injuries, often have jaw issues that can accumulate to overwhelming levels.
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Clenching the teeth is a very common habit, especially during sleep, and often results in an accumulation of both compressive forces in the joints and asymmetrical muscle tightness which can lead to clicking, pain and ultimately joint damage. Resolving the joint compression and muscular tightness can re-pattern the jaw mechanics and save pain and difficulties decades later. Many clients have had a mouth appliance fitted by their dentist to correct their bite, and massage therapy for the chewing muscles offers an effective support for this approach.
TMJ pain and dysfunction may be secondary to other conditions; posture, especially head-forward carriage, is often a main component of TMJ issues. As well, many cases of low back pain and dysfunction present along with TMJ difficulties. Singers, broadcasters, clergy, teachers and instrumental musicians will all know the value of having an unrestricted jaw. Many people in the arts find this treatment highly valuable.
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Massage therapy for TMJ disorders can provide relief from many symptoms, including the following:
- Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
- Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
- Dull, aching pain in the face
- Earache
- Headache
- Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
- Reduced ability to open or close the mouth
- Tinnitus
- Neck and shoulder pain
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To book an appointment with John, please visit our Contact Us page. |
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