Craniosacral treatment for Jaw Pain and TMDJ

(temperomandibular joint dysfunction)

There are many causes of TMJ pain or TMJD. In the chronic case, it is often a signal of stress: historic, residual, or current.

Jaw, or temperomandibular joint pain and dysfunction affects so many of us. It is an indication of high stress in our system, and sometimes a result of stress in our environment. Craniosacral Therapy is one, safe way to relieve the structures, and nervous system response to stress.

This is no surprise as the jaw is located in the midst of the most regularly used and most crucial part of our body. The mouth, neck, ear, jaw, teeth, and nose areas are critical for breathing, drinking, eating, hearing, talking, balance, body language, expression and more. Anatomically, it is closely associated with the limbic system and the fight/flight response.

Therefore, the holistic approach used at Rosewater includes relaxation and stress reduction simultaneously while contacting muscle, nerve tissue, fascia, body memory and the central nervous system.

More about TMJ and self care

Rosewater TMJ and Jaw Treatment with Intra-oral techniques

Sample Treatment A

Discuss health history, symptoms, duration and contributing factors.

Assess and treat:

* Range of motion of the jaw

* Tension of the main jaw muscles: masseter, posterior fibers of temporalis, and the lateral and medial pterygoids

* Assist mobility of the mandible or jaw bone and the temperomandibular joint

* Facilitate circulation of fluids throughout the body, including the cerebral spinal fluid, noting areas of flow or blockage

* Provide self-care homework program and tools

Sample Treatment B

Assess and treat:

* Muscles of the upper back, which refer to the side of head, face, and jaw

* Temporal bones where the jaw bone connects to the cranium and also contain the ears

* Spheno-basilar joint, the most important joint in the head

* Neck and atlanto-occipital joint. Any dysfunction here affects the angles in which the jaw moves

* Maxillae bones where the upper teeth connect to cranium

* Gentle tissue re-education of the muscles of the floor of the mouth and anterior neck

* Continue to assess circulation of the cerebral spinal fluid.

Sample Treatment C

Assess and treat:

* Tension of the hips, lower back, and sacrum as tension in the jaw can cause reciprocal tension here

* Bones of the palate of the mouth, affecting the jaw and auditory (Eustacian) tubes

* muscle, fascia and nerve tissue of the Trigenminal Nerves

* Continue to assess circulation of fluids throughout the body for treatment optimization.

* Revisit self-care program including tools to reduce stress

* Repeat if necessary, and expand inquiry to old injuries or traumas.