Treating TMJ Pain with Myofascial Release

An effective bodywork session should always validate the site of the client's pain, while looking beyond the complaint for the true source of the problem.

John F. Barnes, physical therapist and developer of the Myofascial Release (MFR) technique, teaches that Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) is not only related to the head and neck, but is directly related to the position of the pelvis. As such, the entire craniosacral system needs to be considered with TMJD. If your TMJ therapy only includes treatment of your jaw, head, and neck, only part of the faulty mechanism creating your pain is being addressed.

TMJD clients almost always present with a rotation and a torque in the pelvis. This contributes to a forward head posture, which sets up the structure for a TMJ imbalance: a protracted mandible, clenching of the teeth, and muscle strain in and around the TMJ. Many people also experience excruciating headaches, migraines, and sinus, ear, and neck pain from this imbalance. Stress, injury, and trauma will exacerbate the symptoms further. Interestingly, many TMJD clients also present with hip and low back pain, but no one ever made the connection between the two complaints.

The MFR treatment for TMJD focuses on assessing the craniosacral system. In addition to releasing the sacrum and restoring symmetry to the pelvis, the MFR therapist is trained to work inside the mouth with gloved hands, gently releasing the cranial bones from the tourniquet-like restrictions of the fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue that places up to 2,000 pounds of tensile strength on pain-sensitive nerves and blood vessels. The MFR therapist also releases the external restrictions around the head, neck and shoulders.

Fascia also holds memory and sometimes there may be an emotional connection to the physical pain. Since stress and injury do not just happen to one single body part, but rather to a whole human being, this emotional release is encouraged in the MFR session and the therapist is trained in how to support the client through that process. Holding on to physical and emotional pain for months and years wears people down and can break their spirit. MFR helps them let go of the physical pain, and the emotional connection to the pain. Clients often feel lighter after a session, both physically and emotionally.

After a session, many TMJD clients will ask, "How did you even know it hurt there?"

The answer is simple. As John Barnes teaches, "Find the pain, look elsewhere for the cause."


Maria G. Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
East-West Holistic Healing Arts
Scottsdale, AZ
www.eastwestholistic.net