Chronic Jaw Pain? Try Intraoral Massage

Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain? It's one of the most common types of chronic pain affecting people today. If you've tried everything else, intraoral massage for jaw pain can help alleviate symptoms to provide relief and enhance muscle function. If you've never heard of this type of massage, you're not alone! This treatment is effective for patients who experience pain while opening and closing their mouth, chewing, and talking. 

Jaw Pain Causes

There are many reasons why you might be experiencing jaw pain. If you're diagnosed with one of the conditions below, talk to your massage therapist to see if intraoral massage can help you. 

Teeth Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth clenching and grinding can cause jaw pain, irritation in the jaw, and damage to your teeth. Many people who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth at night when they're not even aware they're doing it. Over many years, bruxism causes extra wear and tear on your teeth and can even lead to broken tooth enamel. 

TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders cause pain in the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders can be caused by bruxism, nail biting, and other habits. In addition to pain, TMJ can also cause a clicking noise when you chew or open your mouth, headaches, limited range of jaw movement, dizziness, and pain in the neck and shoulders. 

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, including pain in the head, jaw, and neck. Often, fibromyalgia starts after a triggering event, like surgery or an infection. Many people notice these symptoms building over time. While there is no cure, symptoms of fibromyalgia can be controlled with various treatments like massage and exercise. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage at the end of the bone begins to deteriorate. This condition usually affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine, but it can affect other joints as well, like the jaw. 

Jaw Injury

Jaw injuries can happen for many reasons, from slips and falls to car accidents. Jaw injuries can lead to chronic pain if the injury doesn't heal properly, so it's important to get help from a professional throughout the healing process. 

Intraoral Massage Soothes Jaw Pain

Intraoral massage is a form of massage that's performed inside the mouth with gloved hands. This type of therapy soothes the jaw muscles as well as muscles in the neck, scalp, and shoulders. During sessions, the massage therapist targets key areas of the face to alleviate tension and reduce symptoms.  

Will the Massage Therapist Really Massage My...Mouth?

Yes, intraoral massage is a type of massage that the therapist performs in your mouth. The session starts with a warm-up to relax the muscles and help you feel at ease. Sanitation is important during this process, so your therapist will put on medical gloves and clean the area. 

Your provider may use a variety of techniques to help soothe your pain and discomfort. For example, the massage therapist may use their index fingers or thumbs to massage the mouth inside and out. During this process, the therapist may apply pressure to targeted areas in the muscles most affected by your condition. 

Pressure levels vary throughout the procedure. When the work is done, the therapist may massage your neck, face, shoulders, or scalp. This treatment will last up to one hour, but some treatments are shorter. 

Most patients feel relaxed and comfortable after an intraoral massage session. You may require several sessions to achieve your goals, whether that's improved range of motion, decreased pain, or a decrease in other symptoms. 

Your provider will help you decide how many sessions and how long. Once you've gone through these sessions, the provider will re-evaluate. Ultimately, the frequency and length of sessions will depend on your condition. 

Is Intraoral Massage Effective?

Yes! Intraoral massage is a very effective form of treatment for the right patient. Here are some benefits that patients experience when they're getting this type of treatment:

1. Pain Reduction. Overworked jaws can be painful, especially when you're suffering from a condition like TMJ disorder. If the problem is left untreated, you can experience neck pain, more intense jaw pain, headaches or migraines. Many patients turn to intraoral massage because it reduces pain and helps treat the source. 

2. Reduced Tension. Many people go to a massage therapist to reduce tension in their muscles. Reduced tension can lead to physical and even emotional relief, so many patients feel a sense of calm when the sessions end.

3. Improved Range of Motion in Neck and Jaw. Patients with jaw pain and tension may not be able to open their mouth as wide as they want or need. Clinical studies show that intraoral massage can relax the muscles, allowing for a noticeable increase in maximal jaw opening. In addition, patients may also experience a greater range of motion in their neck. 

4. Improved Quality of Life. Intraoral massage can improve your sleep, reduce discomfort, and lead to an overall better life. 

Does Intraoral Massage Hurt?

Massage for tense muscles can be uncomfortable in the beginning, but as the provider continues to apply pressure, the effects can be relaxing and soothing. If you have concerns or questions about the sensations you will experience during massage, talk to your massage therapist. 

What Else Can I Do to Alleviate Jaw Pain?

Your massage therapist may recommend habits and lifestyle changes to complement your treatment. Here are some aftercare tips to ensure optimal results. 

• Your massage therapist may recommend exercises to perform after your treatments. Do these exercises as prescribed by your massage therapist. Ask questions if you're not sure what to do.
• Use warm or cold compresses as recommended by your massage therapist. 
• Take steps to mitigate stress, especially if bruxism is a source of your pain. Stress can complicate your condition and make treatment take longer.  
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep.

Take notice of your symptoms following every treatment with the massage therapist. Report back to your massage therapist regularly about your progress. If you have concerns, raise them during your appointments. 

Where Can You Get an Intraoral Massage in Highlands Ranch, CO?

Get an intraoral massage from your massage therapist at Highlands Ranch Therapeutic Massage. We help patients manage their pain and experience relief in Highlands Ranch, CO. Contact us to schedule your next appointment for evaluation and treatment.