TMJ and Massage Therapy

TMJ and Massage Therapy

If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms (such as jaw stiffness, pain, soreness, clicking, and popping), you may want to consider massage therapy. Studies have tested massage’s effects on TMJ pain and have shown that receiving work on the lateral pterygoid muscle (involved in opening the jaw) helps ease pain, reduce joint clicking, and allows better mouth-opening. Acupuncture and biofeedback therapy also show to be promising treatments for TMJ issues.

 

 

Massage Therapy Reduces and May Even Eliminate the Effects of Stress

“The Consequences of Stress… Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage and bodywork is there to combat that frightening number by helping us remember what it means to relax. The physical changes massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life. Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations. Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.The incredible benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular “doses.” Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif, from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami, is known for her massage research, along with colleague Tiffany Field. Together, they and other researchers have done outstanding work proving the value of massage. While their studies have shown we can benefit from massage even in small doses (15 minutes of chair massage or a half-hour table session), Hernandez-Reif says they know from their research that receiving bodywork 2-3 times a week is highly beneficial. And if we lived in a fantasy world, Hernandez-Reif has the answer. “I feel a daily massage is optimal.”It’s undoubtedly a wonderful thing when your therapist begins unwinding those stress-tightened muscles, and your day’s troubles begin to fade away. But it’s the cherry on top to know this “medicine” only gets better with frequency.”

 
This excerpt is taken from an article written by Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. To read more about the benefits of massage, go to http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php?article_id=468

 

What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Having a proper functioning lymphatic system is necessary for our body to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify tissues, remove toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system. Lymph vessels rely on the muscles to contract and cause lymph to flow. Lymph circulation can become hindered or stopped and lymph fluid stagnant due to surgery, fatigue, stress, and aging.

Lymphatic massage is designed to attain and help sustain proper functioning of the lymphatic system.  It involves gentle use of pressure to aid in the recirculation of body fluids and may help with:

  • ~Reduction in swelling
  • ~Detoxification of the body
  • ~Regeneration of tissue
  • ~Relief of inflammation
  • ~Immune system stimulation
  • ~Relief of chronic pain
  • ~Deep relaxation
  • lymphatic

Is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy For You?

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Chronic muscle tension and / or injury can result in adhesions, which are bands of painful tissue. This tissue can be inflamed causing pain, limited movement and blocked circulation. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that can help to realign and release deeper layers of connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense areas such as the back, neck, or shoulders or hips. 

Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

This type of massage can cause some discomfort during the session.  However, the client should stay in touch with the massage therapist and discuss any treatment that is outside the range of tolerance.

Possible Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

  • Alleviate muscle tension
  • Increase in joint mobility
  • Alleviate postural deviations
  • Relaxation
  • Speed recovery of injuries
  • Eliminate repetitive strain issues

 

What type of massage do I need?

What type of massage do I need ?

Have you ever wondered just what to ask for when scheduling a massage therapy session?

Here are some descriptions of common massage techniques:

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints and can be relaxing or energizing . Swedish massage may also help after an injury.

The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

  • Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
  • Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
  • Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
  • Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand

Neuromuscular Therapy Massage

Trigger points are painful points located within taut bands of muscle, hypertonicity, and are treated primarily with the application of sustained, usually static pressure. These points can create pain locally and in a referred pattern. For example, a trigger point in the muscles of the cervical region might refer pain into the shoulder, arm or head.

Through the softening of trigger points, NMT aims to reduce chronic, referred pain, increase range of motion, and correct postural distortions.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff “trouble spots” in your body and generally focuses on a particular region such as the back or shoulders. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscle. ligament, tendon and fascia. Though less rhythmic than Swedish massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries and strains.

At Living Arts Wellness, we often use a combination of techniques (Integrative Massage), designing a specific session for your specific needs.

neuromuscular-therapy-02

The Benefits of Massage & Bodywork

These are just a few of the benefits of massage and bodywork reported by The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork…

Massage therapy has been proven effective in:

  • Relieving back pain
  • Boosting immune system
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Treating migraines
  • Decreasing carpal tunnel symptoms
  • Easing post-operative pain
  • Alleviating side effects of cancer**

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

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