Massage therapy decreases frequency and intensity of symptoms related to temporomandibular joint syndrome in one case study

Summary 

Objective

This study investigated the ability of massage therapy to mitigate the frequency and intensity of headaches, jaw clicking and masticatory pain associated with temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).

Methods

The subject reported 3 years of masticatory pain, clicking, teeth grinding, reduced jaw opening and headaches prior to the study. A log was kept documenting frequency, intensity and type of pain. Pre- and post-treatment jaw opening was recorded. Western massage techniques combined with strain–counterstrain techniques targeted the upper torso, cervical region and oral cavity twice weekly for 30min each over 3 weeks.

Results

TMJ-related pain decreased and maximal jaw opening increased by almost a third. Jaw clicking decreased fourfold to once monthly. Teeth grinding was unchanged.

Conclusion

The results suggest that western massage and strain–counterstrain techniques can improve jaw range of motion, alleviate the intensity and reduce the frequency of TMJ-related pain without surgical or pharmacological intervention.

Keywords: Massage therapy, Temporomandibular joint, TMJ, Counterstrain positional release, Jaw pain, Headache, Trigger point (TrPT), Alternative therapy