Ever woken up with your jaw clamped down like a vice and your cheek puffed up to cartoonish proportions? That was me last week. As a neuromuscular massage therapist, I thought I’d seen it all—turns out, my own face had other plans. Here’s the real story (gloves, drool, and all) and what I did when my masseter went rogue.
Unlocking Jaw Pain Relief: A Personal Guide to Masseter Muscle Massage
Hi, I’m Emily Boudwin, a neuromuscular massage therapist and restorative exercise specialist. Last week, I woke up with my jaw feeling like concrete – rock-hard masseter muscle and a swollen cheek from a clogged salivary gland. Not fun! This painful reminder got me thinking about sharing my go-to TMJ pain relief techniques. After all, jaw tension is something so many of us deal with, right?
The Masseter Muscle Massage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s talk about that masseter muscle – it’s the main one you use for chewing and often the troublemaker in TMJ issues. Here’s my approach to a DIY jaw tension remedy that actually works:
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Hygiene First: Always wear gloves. Trust me on this – it’s not just cleaner, but they help your fingers glide better during the intraoral massage technique.
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Get Comfortable: Lie down with your head slightly elevated on a folded blanket or pillow. This position helps manage the, um, drool situation (sorry, but it happens!).
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Internal Work: Gently insert your thumb inside your mouth to work those internal muscle fibers. This part of the temporomandibular joint therapy makes a huge difference.
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External Support: Use your fingers outside to create counter-pressure. It’s like a jaw sandwich, kinda.
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Start in the Middle: Begin at the center and move outward toward your cheekbone. That’s usually where the worst tenderness hangs out.
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Gently pull from the direction of your ear towards the center of your face. If you encounter a particularly tender spot, cease pulling and instead apply gentle pressure with your thumb and fingers. It is important to ensure that the pressure remains comfortable. As the discomfort subsides, you can gradually resume gliding movements.
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Gently continue to glide and pull between your thumb and fingers, adjusting the pressure as necessary to suit your comfort level.
Important Note: Had jaw surgery? Be careful! I’ve got hardware in my upper jaw from when they moved it forward, so I avoid that area completely. No hardware? You can work more thoroughly under the cheekbone.
Why This Works & When to Use It
This self-massage for TMJ helps loosen that tight muscle. The edge and upper part of the masseter are typically super sensitive, especially if you’re a clencher like me. I’ve found that adding this to your jaw routine ideas can be a game-changer.
Recently, I developed this unique massage technique tailored specifically for my own masseter pain. I have used this technique with some of my TMJD clients. The feedback has been exceptionally encouraging, with many expressing their delight by exclaiming phrases like, “Wow!” Additionally, they have observed that the relaxation of the masseter muscle persists even as we transition to the opposite side.
Hope this helps you find some relief! Our jaws take on so much stress – they deserve a little TLC, don’t they? Listen to your body and check with a healthcare pro if needed. Here’s to a happier jaw!
TL;DR: Jaw pain blindsided me, but with some creative self-massage (and a few comical moments), I managed the swelling and tension. Key takeaway: Don’t wait for a flare-up—consistent care is your secret weapon.
