Myofascial Release
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles throughout your body. It can be a source of chronic pain for individuals suffering from TMJ Disorder. Myofascial release involves sustained pressure on fascia that is restricted. This helps toget the good fluids flowing (like blood and lymph) and stimulates the nervous system, thereby reducing chronic pain in the head, neck, and jaw.
How does TMJ/TMD Affect the Fascia?
In cases of temporomandibular joint disorder, the soft tissue- including the fascia – receives repeated microtrauma that increases oxidative metabolism and depletes cellular energy reserves. This creates the perfect recipe for chronic pain. Part of the problem is the presence of localized muscle trigger points that develop like a taut band. These trigger points are tender to the touch, can be painful during movement, and are likely to cause local or referred pain.
Myofascial Release for TMJ Pain
Myofascial release involves sustained pressure on tissues that are tight or constricted. Myofascial release is not the exact same as a deep tissue massage that targets your muscles. Instead, myofascial release focuses on the muscle’s connective tissue and may feel more like trigger point therapy. Myofascial release for TMJ pain may include hands-on therapy to the outside and inside of your jaw.
Dr. Mistry's Myofascial Release Protocol:
- Suboccipital Release (located in the back area of the neck, connecting from the base of the skull to the cervical spine)
- Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Release (side of the neck)
- Temporalis Release (the area around your temples and along a portion of the side of your head)
- Masseter deep fascia release (sides of the jaw)
- Intraoral pterygoid deep fascia release (jaw muscle inside the mouth that connects near the ear and toward the cheek bone)