Bodywork/ Massage for TMJ issues and Facial Alignment - suggestions?
 

Heya,
I am looking into getting some form of bodywork/ massage therapy done for my ongoing TMJ/Jaw muscle issues, and am wondering, if anyone can recommend anything? I am open to any suggestions, but have noticed on myself that my body seems to be doing best with gentle techniques vs hard-core body twisting, -kneading, and such.
I had some CranioSacral/ Osteopathy done in Germany, and really enjoyed it and found some relief as well. Now that I am back in the US, I am looking for something similar, or entirely different, not sure yet ;).
It seems my mid-axis is out of alignment, and also my face does not look proportional ever since I had my Nr 5 extracted and replaced by a bridge. Bryanna, you mentioned that a singe extraction should not be causing sunken in cheek, so I am thinking it must have to do with my muscles or TMJ?
With that said, I am looking for a technique that also works with bringing the whole facial structure into alignment. Maybe Cranio Sacral, Osteopathy, or Rolfing - Bryanna, maybe you can give some helpful hints as to what might work for my condition?
Thanks :)
Meera

Hi Meera,

There are various forms of treatment for people with TMJ disorders... or TMD, whichever you want to call it. It is a true muscular disorder but it can and most often does have various root causes. Most dentists will suggest a type of bite guard which may be helpful in some (acute) cases, but not likely in chronic cases and often not likely in cases where the root cause of the TMJ problem are teeth (infected and/or diseased) or restoration related (ill fitting restorations/crowns/partials etc).

It is imperative that before any treatment or therapy is suggested a complete and comprehensive evaluation needs to be done of the current anatomy and health of the teeth and oral structures... the current bite should be measured in various occluding positions.... the gums and bone levels checked .... the fit, age and quality of the restorations should also be carefully examined.

To prescribe a bite appliance and/or any other form of TMJ therapy without evaluating all of those things first, would be like putting a band-ade on the problem.

One big issue that is often encountered with patients who have TMJ symptoms is that frequently dentists are leery or hesitant of informing a patient that their fillings or crowns need to be replaced due to the wear and tear that is contributing to the malocclusion and muscular problems. Informing dental patients about dental treatment that is likely to be costly is a huge concern amongst the dental profession as most people cannot afford to take that on in a manner that is fast enough to be beneficial to their TMJ problem. Many patients will either forgo that suggestion or go along with a limited version of it. Either way is usually not beneficial enough in the big scheme of things.

For patients who have an acute (sometimes chronic) situation that is not directly related to their dental health or dental restorations, the therapy for TMJ/TMD would be strictly muscular.

Here is an informational video of 2 dentists who IMO have an informative handle on TMJ problems. I think you would find their information interesting. Let me know what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0xkJNF0l_E

Bryanna