TMJ Exercises?

[Kikker]

I have had TMJ issues for about 12 years. The worst has been the inability to open my mouth for a bite of food due to pain, but most of the time, it is quite functional and mostly pain-free. It does have a click on opening and sometimes the pain does come back. The official diagnosis from 12 years ago is that my left TMJ hyperextends while the right stays in place.

Apparently, there used to be some threads about this but I'm unable to find them in search. DH thinks that maybe they were from the old forum and lost in transfer.

My question is... Can I use the same basic movements in Intu-Flow™ say - for the neck - on my jaw? Are there already some exercises that address the jaw?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

[Scott Sonnon]

Elizabeth,

Yes we regularly use jaw, neck and shoulder movements to help abate and resolve TMJ. It worked for me and quite a few others. (That and removing caffeine and sugar from the diet.)

[KD Jones]

I was also diagnosed with TMJ, same painful, locking jaw thing. It was worst when I was 19-25, but it still rears its head a little.

Along with the "usual" Intu-Flow stuff, I've also toyed with doing Intu-Flow motions with the jaw, and it does seem to help. Be really gentle (little circles and infinities) and go slowly though, pushing it does not feel so good...

[Don]

I too have found relief through movement. My jaw used to pop and grind quite a bit. My left side would slide smoothly but the righ was all over the place. Daily Intu-Flow™ and applications of Intu-Flow™ to my Jaw have improved my bite and jaw pain considerably. Just like KD said, go slowly.

[Kikker]

Thanks to all for your responses. I have added the IF-style exercises for my jaw to my practice and will chart the effect.

Coach Sonnon - By saying you abated or resolved your TMJ issues in part by "removing caffeine and sugar from" your diet, are you referring to the holistic (negative) effects made on the body from excessive consumption? I have not found a direct correlation in my research, except for a mention of the effect of caffeine causing muscle tension, which then contributes to muscle pain and spasm with acute or chronic injuries.

Sugar is not an issue, but I do consume a lot of coffee. :eek: I've quit before and I will quit again. Thanks for mentioning this aspect...I see a caffeine detox ahead of me, lol.

Cheers,

[Scott Sonnon]

Elizabeth,

Yes, there have been studies showing a direct correlation between caffeine and sugar with TMJ and bruxism.

Check out Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons' Radiant Recovery steps to nutrition. They will alleviate the slamming effect of caffeine detox, as it did for me and many others.

[Edwin]

Hi Elizabeth,

If the above suggestions does not adequately relieve your condition try seeking consult with a DC/Graston Technique Specialist. They use special stainless steel instruments to treat myofascia/trigger point problems. Also, your lateral and medial pterygoid muscles may need some work.

Edwin

[Joseph David]

Also, your lateral and medial pterygoid muscles may need some work.

Edwin

Lateral ptergoid work needs to be done by an experience healer. There is a danger of displacing the retrodiscal tissue which the a major componet of TMJ. Can be a very effective technique when applied properly. I had a client that had some improper TMJ work done, it made it worse. It was a project to unwind the torque.

[Edwin]

Lateral ptergoid work needs to be done by an experience healer. There is a danger of displacing the retrodiscal tissue which the a major componet of TMJ. Can be a very effective technique when applied properly. I had a client that had some improper TMJ work done, it made it worse. It was a project to unwind the torque.

Joseph is right. That's the reason a professional help is needed when symptoms persist.

[Kikker]

Thanks guys! I'm going to try gentle IF exercises to see if it improves my situation. I don't grind my teeth - never have. My issue comes more from a dysfunctional jaw. I already know I don't want any surgery or irreversible therapies to correct my bite. I'd rather live with my discomfort, lol. As I said, I am now mostly pain-free but finding my way to RMAX and reading some of the incredible success stories from this group here has made me think that maybe I can improve this too.

Cheers!

PS - I only had 1 cup of coffee yesterday (down from 5-7) :D