Intraoral Massage
Most people can benefit from some intraoral massage, but the treatment is targeted toward those experiencing headaches/migraines, jaw tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, difficulty chewing, teeth grinding, and injuries/strains of the jaw.
What is Intraoral massage:
Intraoral massage is a manual technique that focuses on the muscles inside and outside of the mouth. These muscles tend to be sensitive, tight, and overworked. Using gentle intentional pressure and movements, intraoral massage works to relieve tension and pain.
What is Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (below info provided by Todd Valentine):
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. “TMDs” refers to the disorders. “TMJ” refers only to the temporomandibular joint itself.
There are three main classes of TMDs:
- Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders.
- Disorders of the muscles used for chewing (masticatory muscles).
- Headaches associated with a TMD.
It is important to know that sounds (such as clicking or popping) without pain in the TMJs are common, considered normal and don’t need treatment.
However, the following symptoms may signal a TMD:
- Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint (most common symptom).
- Pain that spreads to the face or neck.
- Jaw stiffness.
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw.
- Painful clicking, popping, or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
- Ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or dizziness.
- A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Source: Todd Valentine, LMT, SMT, IME, NSCA-CPT, FFS, SFS, CKTP+, ARC INSTRUCTOR
“TMJ: Normal Anatomy”
“TMJ: Anterior Disk Displacement with Reduction”
“Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Anatomy and Disc Displacement Animation”
What to expect:
Intraoral massage is performed with the patient lying face up and fully covered. Gloves are worn at all times when working inside the mouth, and Dr. Sabin will be wearing a mask/glasses during the session. Gentle pressure will be applied to the muscles, which can feel intense. The goal is not to cause more pain, so if increased pain occurs, please let Dr. Sabin know.
The patient will be expected to communicate using their hands to express any discomfort or to indicate a request to pause/stop the treatment. It is possible that the area will be sore after the massage and the jaw may feel like it is aligned differently.
Risks/contraindications:
Intraoral massage has the potential to create more discomfort, cause facial bruising, change the alignment of the jaw and slightly change the way the face looks. It is not indicated for those that have cancer of the head/neck, active infection(s), loose teeth, recent stroke, current vertigo/tinnitus (could cause nausea), and canker sores.
Price/insurance:
Insurance can and will be billed for the massage and the visit cost. If you do not have massage benefits or no insurance the cost of the massage will be: $22.50 per 15 minutes.
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