TMJ Disorder

More than 60 million people in the United States are affected by TMJ Disorder…TMJ (or more precisely TMJD) stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. There are many symptoms that can manifest as part of TMJ, and if you suffer from any of these symptoms, the information below can help change your life for the better.

Common symptoms/complaints associated with TMJD
Headaches
Neck Pain
Pain in the jaw
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Aching pain in and around the ear/jaw
Facial pain
Locking of the joint and/or limitation of movement associated with your jaw

Ellen Hamilton has a special interest in TMJ-D and has received advance training in TMJD massage techniques that include myofascial release, cranial sacral and trigger point therapy.  This training, coupled with her own individual course of study, has enabled her to help her clients find relief, and take charge of their own health concerns associated with TMJ-D by advising them on self-help strategies.

How can a massage therapist help me when noone else can? It is important to recognize that close to 90% of TMJ disorders are related to stress in the body; in particular those areas associated with the head, neck and shoulder. When tense, the muscular tissue in these areas tighten and spasm and cause “referred pain”. Essentially, tension in your shoulders can cause pain in your jaw and vice versa!

Ellen works closely with Dentists and medical professionals throughout the area in helping identify those clients who may benefit from alternative health care strategies; specifically massage protocols in addressing TMJ-D.

If you have been diagnosed with TMJ-D or have any of the symptoms often associated with TMJ-D, please consult your health care provider first to discuss your situation and the possibility of exploring alternative health care strategies such as massage. For more information, contact Ellen directly at 816-525-7171.