The term TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint in the jaw that enables us to open and close our mouths. This little joint works hard! We use it all the time... when we eat, laugh, talk, yawn, sing, and kiss. Just like any other joint in the body, the muscles and fascia which connect to it can get tight, limiting range of movement and causing pain and dysfunction.

TMJ dysfunction is often referred to as TMD. You might know you have it because your dentist told you so, or because you know you grind your teeth at night. However, there are lots of other less commonly known symptoms of TMD which can be treated safely and effectively with the Jing Method™ of TMJ massage.

Jing Method™ TMJ Massage

The pictures show some of the areas where you might be experiencing pain or altered sensation as a result of TMD

Symptoms can include headaches, unexplained toothache, jaw popping or cracking, chronic neck and shoulder pain, sensitivity to light or noise, tinnitus, visual disturbances, being unable to open your mouth properly (trismus) and of course clenching and grinding your teeth. Jing Method™ TMJ massage can help heal and release the muscles and fascia, reducing the symptoms caused by problems in and around the jaw joint. This is done by treating the trigger points in and around the jaw, neck and shoulders.

Small scale clinical research studies have shown the Jing Method™ of TMJ massage to be able to reduce pain by up to 60%, through a series of regular treatments and self care advice.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

What happens during the massage

Each treatment starts with an assessment. First appointments are 1.5 hours, with up to 30 mins of this being consultation. We'll discuss your symptoms, how long they've been troubling you, any treatments you may have tried, your general health and wellbeing, as well as me being able to understand broadly what's going on in your life at the present time. All of these factors are important and relevant to your TMD symptoms. I will assess the range of motion of your neck and shoulders, as well as your jaw.

The massage will usually start with you on your front so I can treat your upper back, neck and shoulders. I may get to you to lie on your side as well so I can treat these areas further. After this, I will get you to lie on your back so I can treat your upper chest area and the front of the neck. Treating these areas is very important as there is a strong connection from here up into the jaw. Then, I will treat the muscles of mastication (your jaw muscles) externally, before treating these same muscles intra-orally (inside your mouth). Good communication between therapist and client is essential during a TMJ massage, I will ask your consent before each intra-oral technique and we will work at a pace that is comfortable to you. When I'm working intra-orally I wear a nitrile glove, like those worn by dentists and tattooists.

After the massage I will suggest a treatment plan and give you some after care advice of things you can do at home that I think will be helpful in between coming for treatment. Most people find they feel a difference after one session, however, due to the chronic nature of this condition, ongoing and regular treatment is required for several weeks. This is based on my own clinical experience and that of other Jing Method™ therapists who treat the TMJ.

What people who have had a TMJ massage with me say...

"I am genuinely impressed as the treatment has brought me so much relief. My jaw has finally remembered where letting go is. I feel optimistic there is another route forward"

"The pain had become so frequent and severe that I was contemplating giving up my job. The pain is still there at times, but it is not as bad, and I know now that it is manageable"

"Nicky made sure I felt comfortable the entire time and was very communicative throughout. The TMJ massage itself was incredibly helpful, I've not felt relief like that in years. I'll be returning"

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