It’s the end of a long, stressful week, maybe you’ve been more stressed than normal. Lots of jaw clenching, teeth grinding even. We’ve all had weeks like that. But now, you’re in pain. Ibuprofen? Well you may as well put a plaster on your jaw for how much it’s helping. What can you do to help? Is there anything you can do? We have the answer: M-A-S-S-A-G-E.

What’s causing your pain? It could be you’re experiencing TMJ pain. But how do you know? Do any of the following sound like you? If so, massage therapy could be what you need.

• muscular pain when chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• restricted movement, such as limitations when opening the mouth
• clicking, popping, and cracking of the jaw
• dental issues such as misaligned teeth
• pain in the neck, scalp, and shoulders
• frequent headaches
• pain and tenderness at the joint
• pain, ringing, or itchiness in the ears
• dizziness
• recurrent migraines
• teeth grinding

How does massage actually help with TMJ pain? Massage helps to relax the tight and overworked muscles that are causing your pain. An experienced therapist will also work other areas of your body – such as your spine, scalp, shoulders, face & neck – to address the underlying causes of your pain. Working on the areas around the temporomandibular joint as well as the joint itself will bring you great relief.

There are exercises you can do at home to help relieve your pain, but the best thing for TMJ relief is to get a professional massage. Your therapist will give you personalised exercises to help your specific issue after your session.

Our amazing massage therapist Liam specialises in functional TMJ relief. He has worked alongside an osteopath for several years and has taken a great interest in how massage can be used to keep your body working as it should, and to fix issues that seem impossible to get rid of.

He’s already had some great results with Vital Balance clients, and we are taking bookings for him now! If you have been struggling with jaw pain, book in with Liam and find relief, people are already loving him.